Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak ruled out for Newcastle United vs Everton
Everton have been handed a major boost after Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak were ruled out of their clash with Newcastle on Wednesday night.
The Toffees travel to St James’ Park for a big Premier League clash on the back of two consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Tottenham, which came after a seven-game unbeaten run.
But as Frank Lampard looks to get back on track with a good result up north, Eddie Howe has revealed he will be without two of his star attackers for the clash through injury.
“Maxi has had a very minor irritation to his hamstring but it’s the third time that has happened so even though it’s a very minor injury because of the reoccurrence we need to be careful with his timescale,” he said, as quoted by Chronicle Live [18 October].
“But we hope to see him before the World Cup break.
“Alex, we don’t think we’ll see again before the World Cup. He’s had a setback on his thigh.”
Huge
Defensively Everton have been excellent this season, but so have Newcastle as they officially have the best defence in the Premier League so far this campaign.
However with both Saint-Maximin and Isak out injured, there is no doubt that the Magpies are weakened in attack now and that is a big boost for an Everton side who will be hungry for goals and points.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit again and could start the game, while Anthony Gordon is back from a suspension which would see them strengthened from their last game in comparison to Newcastle’s losses.
But with Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimaraes and an in-form Miguel Almiron in the side, Newcastle are certainly still a threat that Lampard will have to be considerate of and not take lightly.
But with less quality comes less threat, and Everton have a huge opportunity to spoil the party at St James’ and leave their blunt attack with nothing to work with to try and claim all three points.