'Big boost': Eddie Howe gives massively positive injury update for Newcastle United ahead of Crystal Palace clash
Newcastle United take on Crystal Palace on Sunday in a 3pm kick-off live on Sky Sports.
Off the back of a win against Burnley, Newcastle will be hoping to start 2026 the same way they finished 2025, with three points.
While the scoreline against the Clarets flattered Newcastle, the Magpies will be hoping to be a bit more convincing in front of their own fans on Sunday.
Crystal Palace played out a draw against Fulham yesterday in one of the most boring days in Premier League history. Indeed, their 1-1 draw saw the only two goals scored in all four fixtures that were played in the Best League In The World on New Year's Day.
Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento are close to a return from Injury
Lewis Miley is likely to continue at right-back for Eddie Howe's side, but the Newcastle gaffer hinted this morning during his press conference that options in that position are very close.
"[Emil] Krafth is further back than the others, yes. We've got a couple of training days but Tino [Livramento] and Kieran [Trippier] have worked really well and they are both close. Lewy Miley was magnificent against Burnley and I have said time and again how well he has done for us but it will be a big boost to us to have a couple of full-backs back fit."
We may have at least one of our right-backs on the bench against Palace, but we'd be surprised if either are ready to start the game.
We're not used to this positive news thing lately
Newcastle have been crying out for some positive injury news, particularly at the back, where the current back four is all Howe has available to him, and one of those is a midfielder playing out of position.
There is Alex Murphy, who almost had to step in for Lewis Hall against Burnley, but as well as he's done in his brief cameos, we're not sure he's really ready to make that leap just yet.
We'll see what Howe does on Sunday. As he said, there are still a couple of days of training between now and the match, so Tino or Tripps could make a good case for themselves.
