How depleted Newcastle could line-up without ten first-team players for Fulham

The Magpies head into the clash on the back of their 2-1 Champions League defeat to seven-time winners and last season's semi-finalists, AC Milan, on Wednesday.

Such a result meant his side was dumped out of Europe after finishing bottom of Group F with five points, with attention now turns back to the Premier League.

But their quest to keep within touching distance of the top-four will be hampered by a number of missing first-team stars.

Speaking on Newcastle's injury woes, Howe said in his press conference: "We are now getting a couple of players back, but not in their best physical condition.

"Kieran [Trippier] misses this game through suspension so it is a good time for him to rest and we will see how he is next week.

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"We will see how Anthony Gordon is today. Joe Willock in a period where he has had a couple of injections, a difficult injury but he won't be back this side of January.

"It's the same now with Harvey Barnes, he won't need an operation but we are waiting to see if he comes back or not.

"Dan Burn is closer to be being back, Sean Longstaff closer to being back and we are managing them to stay back."

Martin Dubravka is expected to retain his place between the sticks as Nick Pope recovers from a shoulder injury, meaning Loris Karius will take his place on the bench.

In the right full-back position, Tino Livramento, who was deployed at left-back in the defeat to AC Milan, is likely to replace the suspended Kieran Trippier.

It means 20-year-old defender Lewis Hall, on loan from Chelsea, is likely to come in at left-back for Newcastle, with Matt Targett out with a hamstring injury.

The Magpies skipper Jamal Lascelles is expected to come in once again to partner Fabian Schar at the heart of the defence due to Sven Botman's absence.

Bruno Guimaraes will likely form part of a three-man midfield alongside fellow Brazilian Joelinton, with 17-year-old Lewis Miley, who continues to impress, also retaining his place.

In attack, Callum Wilson is expected to lead the line, and Alexander Isak is expected to get the nod on the left, with Anthony Gordon a doubt for the clash.

Fan favourite Miguel Almiron will also form part of the front-three and take up his regular position on the right.

Tune into talkSPORT 2 for LIVE and EXCLUSIVE commentary of Newcastle vs Fulham in the Premier League - Saturday December 16, kick-off 3pm