Eddie Howe is anticipating defensive reinforcements for his Newcastle United side’s trip to Goodison Park to take on Everton
Newcastle United have received a triple fitness boost ahead of the match with Everton – though key man Alexander Isak will be absent. Magpies boss Eddie Howe is expecting to have Kieran Trippier, who was linked with a late summer move to the Blues just weeks ago, Nick Pope and Fabian Schar available for the trip to Goodison Park.
All three have faced injury problems during the start to the campaign, one in which Howe’s options at the back have been limited at times.
Their return will come as a bonus as his side heads to Merseyside to face a club that took four points from them last season.
READ MORE: Dele Alli suffers setback in fight for fitness as Everton boss Sean Dyche offers updateREAD MORE: Everton legend Duncan Ferguson takes remarkable new step to help save Inverness
Dominic Calvert-Lewin held his nerve with a late penalty as Everton revived their survival ambitions with a hard-fought comeback draw at St James’ Park in April.
Months earlier, the Blues produced one of their best performances of the campaign as they hammered Newcastle 3-0 with Beto finishing the rout with a ruthless strike at the end of a stunning team move.
Everton will hope for more of the same and disappointment over the potential absence of Jarrad Branthwaite, who is battling a quad issue, will be tempered by neither Isak, who is recovering from a broken toe, nor nemesis Callum Wilson being available to lead Newcastle’s frontline, Chronicle Live reports.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “We hope Alex will be back, with Callum, for the first game after the international break. Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar should be okay (for Everton).”
Martin Dubravka could also be available for Howe’s side, who earned a draw with Manchester City last weekend before overcoming AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup in midweek.