Eddie Howe's Newcastle United choice is clear after smart Joe Willock decision

Joe Willock will play no part in Newcastle United's remaining six games as he rests his Achilles following a recurring problem. The midfielder limped out of the win at Fulham earlier this month, adding to the Magpies' never-ending injury problems.

First reported by the Daily Mail, it is understood Willock won't be risked in the final Premier League clashes as Eddie Howe's side chase European qualification. The former Arsenal star has only made 14 appearances in a stop-start campaign but will now be aiming to hit the ground running in pre-season.

With Willock set for another spell on the sidelines, what could Newcastle's midfield look like in the final, crucial fixtures? In short, there is a familiar lack of options for Howe to choose from.

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Tottenham Hotspur were blown away at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson starting in the middle of the park. The choice is clear; that is the trio Howe will be forced to use for Crystal Palace next week - and likely beyond.

Thankfully, Guimaraes miraculously avoided a two-game suspension despite carrying the burden of nine yellow cards for 11 consecutive games. His slate has been wiped clean meaning he can now play the upcoming top flight clashes without the fear of a double ban.

As for midfield co-star Anderson, Willock's absence will hand him a run of games in the side at long last. A freak back injury of his own means this has been a difficult and disrupted campaign for the academy graduate, who has started to really impress as of late.

“We’ve seen that through training now for a long period of time," Howe said of Anderson on Saturday. "I can’t speak highly enough of how he’s come back from his injury. I think he’s in a really good place.”

The final midfield member, Longstaff, could really do with a break of his own after playing through the pain on a consistent basis in recent months. But possible replacements for the 26-year-old are thin on the ground.

Matt Ritchie was brought off the bench for Anderson in the closing stages over the weekend, while youngster Joe White was introduced in Guimaraes' place. Both men have played nothing more than bit-part roles so far this season and it would be a shock to see either dislodge one of Howe's regulars in the side while European qualification is on the line.

Elsewhere, Anthony Gordon has played in a deeper role under Howe at times. Last season's finale at Chelsea saw the winger moved into a 'No 8' position at Stamford Bridge. Lewis Hall, who has impressed at left-back in recent games, is another who has the capacity to place in a midfield three.

The only remaining option revolves around Joelinton. The Brazilian is working back to fitness behind the scenes following quadricep surgery but Howe recently cast doubt on whether he would be seen again before the end of the campaign. Lewis Miley also remains sidelined with a back problem.

Speaking last week about Willock's issue, Howe said: "Joe has been to see another specialist to check on the progress of his achilles which has been problematic for him. It's been a difficult injury because it's not been straightforward and he's had a few complications through the process of him returning back to full fitness.

"His feedback was positive, generally, in the respect that the achilles is healing and doing well but it will fluctuate from time to time. It will have moments where it's not feeling so good."