Newcastle United's preparations for their crucial midweek clash against Manchester United have been disrupted by a sickness outbreak in the squad, leaving manager Eddie Howe facing a selection crisis. Striker Nick Woltemade is a major doubt for the match due to a lingering illness, complicating efforts to reverse a recent slump in Premier League form. The illness has affected multiple players, with Woltemade missing several days of training and remaining unwell ahead of the game. The German forward, who joined from Stuttgart in a £69 million deal, has not participated in first-team sessions, raising concerns for Howe. While some players have recovered quickly, Woltemade’s condition remains uncertain, with medical staff monitoring his progress. The timing of the outbreak is particularly challenging, as the Magpies seek to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat to Everton. Howe acknowledged the strain of the situation during a press conference, noting that the illness first appeared during the Everton match, where Jacob Ramsey was substituted. Ramsey has since returned to training, but Woltemade’s absence continues to worry the manager. The squad’s depleted state is further compounded by the absence of key players, including captain Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Emile Krafth, and Fabian Schar. Defender Tino Livramento, who had hoped to return, remains doubtful due to the short turnaround from Saturday’s fixture. The manager expressed frustration over the unpredictability of player recoveries, emphasizing the need for patience with Livramento’s rehabilitation. "He’s getting closer, but it has to be at the right time," Howe said, highlighting the delicate balance between urgency and medical caution.#manchester_united #newcastle_united #nick_woltemade #eddie_howe #bruno_guimaraes
