Eddie Howe says Joe Willock is unlikely to be available against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday due to an Achilles injury and it is “unclear” whether he will be able to play again before the end of the season.
Willock was sent off during the first half of last Saturday’s win over Fulham. The 24-year-old midfielder’s season has been disrupted by hamstring and Achilles injuries, limiting him to nine Premier League appearances.
“Joe saw another specialist to check the progress of his Achilles, which caused him problems,” Howe said. “He’s had some complications along the way. The feedback has been generally positive, as far as recovery goes, but it fluctuates from time to time.
“For Tottenham, I’m not sure, I think probably he won’t be available for us. There is a chance he will then be available for us for the rest of the season, but it’s not clear .We need to make sure that the long term “The term for him is positive, so it may mean a little rest in the short term.”
Lewis Hall is also doubtful for Saturday’s game, having not practiced this week due to a minor muscle issue.
“(Hall has) tightness in his quad,” Howe added. “No direct muscle pull but enough to see him miss training this week. He is doubtful for the match.”
Newcastle’s squad has been depleted by injuries this season. Howe explained that of the current absentees, Tino Livramento was the closest to a return, although the full-back is yet to return to training.