Newcastle United suffer double injury in Champions League run against Liverpool

Newcastle United suffer double injury in Champions League run against Liverpool

Liverpool are hot on their heels for Newcastle United in their quest to qualify for the Champions League, but the Magpies have been dealt a heavy blow in midfield

Newcastle United will be without Sean Longstaff for this afternoon’s game against Leeds United.

The Magpies midfielder has enjoyed a resurgence at St James’ Park and his form has matched their pursuit of Champions League football as he has made 32 Premier League appearances this season.

By beating Brentford, Liverpool kept the pressure on the Toon army in the race to qualify for next season’s elite European competition. Losses to Newcastle and Manchester United following the Reds’ win boosted the hopes of Jurgen Klopp’s side for the remaining games of the season.

Eddie Howe’s side travel to relegation-prone Leeds on Saturday in a bid to extend their lead over Livepool to six points. However, they will have to do without two players. Matt Ritchie, who was out of the team for most of the season, was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

“He (Longstaff) went to see a specialist. I think there were some concerns that there might be some sort of structural damage to his foot,” Howe said.

“There wasn’t one, which is good news, but there is some damage to one of the ligaments. It was actually re-scanned today, which we hope will show improvement.