Will Osula injury fears made public ahead of West Brom cup clash
Despite the late heartbreak, it felt like a hugely positive opening day display for Newcastle United last Sunday.
Matthias Jaissle's Mags were full of energy, heart and organisation, scored two superb goals, saw summer signings shine and a few of last season's flops step up, with Yoane Wissa man of the match and Anthony Elanga on the scoresheet.
That feel-good factor has continued, with Man City's Nico Gonzalez all set to sign, but injuries are becoming a growing concern, as Will Osula becomes the latest player to pick up a knock.
Osula set for spell on the sidelines?
The Chronicle's Lee Ryder has offered an update on the fitness of Will Osula, who limped off in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
He reports that the Danish international is set to miss tonight's Carabao Cup clash with West Brom and could be missing for 'at least a couple of weeks.'
Osula played through the pain barrier after picking up a knock early in Sunday's game, before being replaced by Joe Willock in a move that saw Wissa move into that No.9 role.
This comes after Dan Burn was ruled out for four to five weeks with an ankle injury, while Joelinton is facing at least another week out with an unspecified issue.
An opportunity for Woltemade awaits
Only time will tell what Jaissle has in mind, but tonight now feels like an opportunity for Nick Woltemade to play as the main striker.
With Osula set to be out and the potential that Wissa is saved for Saturday's trip to Spurs, big Nick may be needed from the off tonight.
Woltemade has often played in a No.10 role during pre-season, often struggling to make an impact either on or off the ball, but could find himself up top this evening, with Willock pushing to play just off the front.
Elsewhere, we fully expect Bazoumana Toure to make his first competitive start down the left, with Jacob Ramsey, Aladji Bamba, Fabian Schar and Ewen Jaouen also likely to feature after starting last Sunday's draw on the bench.
Sean Neave is also one to watch after he was taken off 45 minutes into the Under-21s defeat to Spurs earlier this week, meaning he will almost certainly make Jaissle's squad this evening.
How would you line up tonight? Let us know in the comments below.
