Newcastle star Jacob Ramsey all clear to face Everton after tight hamstring scare | OneFootball

Newcastle United overcame Qarabag 3-2 at St James Park to book their place in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the first time.

Newcastle had done most of the job in the first leg, claiming a 6-1 win in Azerbaijan, allowing manager Eddie Howe to rotate the squad.

Still, the English tactician would have loved to have Jacob Ramsey at his disposal for the game.

Ahead of the clash, it was announced that Ramsey would miss the game due to a tight hamstring.

Ramsey has struggled with injuries since joining Newcastle, and there might have been fears he would be out for another significant period.

Thankfully, he is fine. According to Craig Hope, “Ramsey scan on tight hamstring came back all clear & there’s hope he will be involved versus Everton on Saturday.”

Newcastle need all hands on deck as they bid to navigate a difficult run-in made even more challenging by cup and European commitments.

The 24-year-old has been a mainstay in the first team in recent weeks. He was also beginning to find his groove at the Tyneside club, providing an assist in his last outing.

That was his second goal contribution in four games. Ramsey’s return cannot come quickly enough.

His energy between the lines, ability to carry the ball and knack for arriving late in the box give Newcastle a far better balance in midfield.

More importantly, it could finally convince Howe to abandon the curious experiment of deploying striker Nick Woltemade in a deeper role.

Woltemade has worked hard, but he is a natural forward, not an engine room operator tasked with connecting midfield to attack or tracking runners.

At this level, square pegs in round holes are punished. With Ramsey fit and firing, Howe does not need makeshift solutions.

The Magpies are entering a defining stretch of the season. Now is the time for clarity, not compromise.