Newcastle United face a mounting injury crisis following their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday night.
The Magpies battled bravely after going down to ten men when Anthony Gordon was dismissed in the first half.
Liverpool looked in complete control with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike, but Newcastle roared back through Bruno Guimaraes and substitute William Osula.
Just as a famous comeback looked possible, teenager Rio Ngumoha broke Geordie hearts in stoppage time with a composed winner for the visitors.
A string of injuries compounded the disappointment of defeat for Newcastle. Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Fabian Schar were all forced off during the second half.
“To come away with nothing, plus injuries, suspensions and concussions, it’s a pretty bad day,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said (via beIN SPORTS).
“Sandro doesn’t look good. He was in quite a bit of pain. I don’t know the full extent of his or Joelinton’s injuries.”
Meanwhile, Schar suffered a concussion and will face mandatory checks before he can return.
His absence adds to the headache of losing both Tonali and Joelinton in midfield.
Gordon’s red card will also bring a suspension, further depleting Newcastle’s squad ahead of a clash with Leeds United.
“It’s a big blow,” Howe added. “I thought there was no intent. From what I saw, he was trying to pull out of the tackle.”
To make matters worse, Newcastle ace Alexander Isak is still trying to force through a move to Liverpool.
The club sent a representative to his home yesterday to persuade him to reintegrate with Howe’s squad. It remains unclear if he will bite.
Newcastle missed Isak’s cutting edge against Liverpool, especially in the first half when they had chances to open the scoring.
Howe will be crossing his fingers, hoping for positive news on the Isak front, although Osula proved he can be a potent weapon.
