Newcastle United Issue Statement Clarifying Joe Willock’s Absence Against Leicester City

Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock was absent for tonight’s clash at the King Power Stadium.

The former Arsenal player, who has struggled to break into Eddie Howe’s starting XI in recent weeks, was not even listed among the substitutes for the match against relegation-threatened Leicester City.

A brief pre-match statement from the club confirmed: “Joe Willock misses out this evening due to a concussion. Speedy recovery, Joe.”

Willock was not risked following an awkward fall during the recent Brentford game, which led to a minor concussion.

The injury is not believed to be serious.

His absence resulted in Howe including two goalkeepers on the bench, with Martin Dubravka and John Ruddy making the trip to the East Midlands.

Despite Willock’s absence, Howe still had sufficient midfield options available.

Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley provided cover, while young forward Sean Neave is also capable of playing in midfield.

Newcastle’s starting XI remained unchanged from the side that defeated Brentford five days earlier.

Alexander Isak, who was a pre-match doubt due to a groin issue, was named in the starting line-up. Howe clarified: “No, I don’t think he’s been carrying it.

It was in the warm-up of the Brentford game. He just became aware of it and carried it through the game.”

Starting XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Isak, Barnes.

Substitutes: Dubravka, Ruddy, Wilson, Targett, Krafth, Osula, Longstaff, Miley, Neave.