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Sheffield United v Newcastle United early team news: £108m absence as 13 players ruled out & two doubts

Jordan Cronin
·2-min read
Joelinton of Newcastle celebrates after scoring the third goal during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Villarreal CF at St James' Park on August 06, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Joelinton of Newcastle celebrates after scoring the third goal during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Villarreal CF at St James' Park on August 06, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle United take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this afternoon (kick-off 4:30pm) as they look to make it back-to-back Premier League wins.

Here’s the latest injury news from both camps:

Newcastle United - three players ruled out, one doubt

Eddie Howe remains without £65million-rated midfield duo Joelinton and Joe Willock, although the latter could return before the upcoming international break.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Joelinton hasn’t featured since the 3-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion because of a knee injury. Willock, meanwhile, has been sidelined since May. The former Arsenal man had been recovering from a hamstring injury but suffered a new Achilles injury earlier this month.

Speaking on Friday, Howe said: “We hope with Joelinton he could be back sooner but we’ll wait and see.” On Willock, Howe continued: “With Willock, he’ll definitely be out until the international.”

Back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is a doubt for the game after missing the midweek trip to AC Milan through illness, meaning Loris Karius could feature in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time this season.

Emil Krafth has returned to training, 12 months after suffering an ACL injury, but is ready to return to playing just yet.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: John Egan of Sheffield United misses their sides fifth and final penalty in the penalty shot out during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Sheffield United and Lincoln City at Bramall Lane on August 30, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: John Egan of Sheffield United misses their sides fifth and final penalty in the penalty shot out during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Sheffield United and Lincoln City at Bramall Lane on August 30, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Sheffield United - 10 ruled out, one doubt

Sheffield United will be boosted by the return of captain John Egan. The former Sunderland defender arrived back from Republic of Ireland international duty with a knock having gone there not fully fit and playing two matches.

He missed last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur but his return versus Newcastle today has been confirmed by manager Paul Heckingbottom.

“Egs has trained - he came back in,” said Heckingbottom. “Obviously we’re a day further on this week with having a Sunday game, so he came back in on Tuesday and joined in with the boys so he’s had a full week.”

The Blades are still without George Baldock and Will Osula, who picked up injuries on international duty. Heckingbottom has few options in attack with £43m-rated strikers Oli McBurnie and Rhian Brewster unavailable through suspension and injury, respectively.

Jordan Amissah, Ismaila Coulibaly, John Fleck, Max Lowe, Ben Osborn and Rhys Norrington-Davies won’t feature, while Daniel Jebbison is a doubt through illness.