Newcastle dealt double injury blow ahead of crunch Everton clash | OneFootball

Newcastle United are looking to bounce back from a midweek 2-1 Champions League defeat against Olympique Marseille when they visit Everton on Saturday afternoon.

However, the Magpies are struggling to shake off injury issues, with Eddie Howe once again juggling fitness concerns ahead of the trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Magpies will hope for better fortunes in their first visit to the newly opened venue after coming away with just one win from their last four trips to Goodison Park (D1, L2).

Newcastle are also looking to end a worrying run of four consecutive defeats away from home across all competitions, but injury woes could derail that plan.

Howe has confirmed that key centre-back Sven Botman has been nursing a back problem over the past few days and is a doubt to face Everton.

The manager also revealed that Kieran Trippier will miss at least four weeks of action due to a hamstring injury.

The Englishman who was previously described as a “transformative” signing by Howe has been ruled out of the festive period after undergoing a scan.

“Nothing major from the game [against Marseille],” Howe said during his pre-match press conference.

“We will look at the lads today. Sven Botman has been nursing a back problem for the last few days. Kieran Trippier had a scan on his hamstring. We think it is roughly around a month, give or take.

“Emil Krafth came back from international duty with a knee issue, but he will be good. Whether he’s fit for this game, it’s probably too soon.”

Howe will hope to celebrate his 48th birthday tomorrow with a win that could take Newcastle into the top half of the table if other results go their way.

The manager also backed Nick Pope, who has come under intense scrutiny following his howler in the defeat against Marseille.

“Nick is vastly experienced and a very level character,” he said. “You don’t see huge highs or lows even when he plays well and makes world-class saves that he does on a regular basis.”