Evertonvs.Newcastle

The Magpies picked up a point in a 1-1 home draw with Manchester City last weekend before edging past fourth-tier side AFC Wimbledon by a 1-0 scoreline in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday night.

Fabian Schar scored the only goal at St James' Park from the penalty spot, but the centre-back was withdrawn towards the end of the match with an apparent ankle injury.

Martin Dubravka was forced off at half time with a knee injury, while Anthony Gordon and Valentino Livramento both sustained knocks during the match, but they were able to continue.

Meanwhile, Nick Pope (knee) Kieran Trippier (muscle) and Alexander Isak (toe) were all absent in midweek, the latter had also missed the previous match against Man City.

Five players ruled out, but three "should" be fit for Everton clash

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton, Howe has confirmed that Isak will not be involved and will remain in the treatment room with fellow striker Callum Wilson (back), with both players targeting a return after the international break.

Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both knee) and Lewis Miley (ankle) all remain sidelined, while Dubravka is a major doubt with his knee issue, although Howe has stated that it is 'not serious'.

On a positive note, the Magpies boss has revealed that Schar, Pope and Trippier should all be fit to feature in some capacity on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Howe said: "[Isak] won't make the game. We'll hope he will be back with Callum (Wilson) for the game (against Brighton & Hove Albion) after the international beak.

"Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar should be okay. Martin Dubravka took a nasty whack to the knee. He had a scan, the scan showed just bruising - hopefully. Whether he's fit for this game or not, I'm not sure. But it won't be a serious injury."

Meanwhile, left-back Matt Targett has been pictured in first-team training after missing the last two matches due to "a flare-up of eczema".

Howe expecting "difficult game" against Everton

Discussing Newcastle's results over the last seven days, Howe said: "It has been a good week. The Manchester City performance showed us what we are capable as a group of when we all play at our best.

"The Wimbledon game was going to be a difficult game but still an effective result and we're through. Everything rests now on this game."

On Everton, he added: "Whenever you go there, it is a difficult game. The ground has that feel, with the fans involved in the game right from the off and very close to the pitch."

Newcastle currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, two points behind the top four and seven clear of Saturday's opponents Everton down in 16th spot.

The Magpies have won five of their last eight league meetings with Everton, but they suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Toffees in their last visit to Goodison Park in October 2023.