'They have a chance': Newcastle United boss gives injury update on three players ahead of Brighton clash

Eddie Howe has a few big calls to make going into Sunday's FA Cup meeting with Brighton at St James' Park. Kick-off is at 1:45pm live on ITV.

Newcastle United are looking to make it into the quarter-final draw for the FA Cup but face a huge obstacle in the form of in-form Brighton.

Brighton have already beaten Newcastle at St James' Park this season, and that has not been lost on Eddie Howe, partially because he kept being reminded of it in his pre-match press conference this morning.

While Eddie Howe is sweating on the fitness of star striker Alexander Isak, he also has three other players who could miss out due to injury.

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Eddie Howe says Callum Wilson is fine after his clash of heads on Wednesday

First up is Callum Wilson who had a nasty clash of heads with Virgil Van Dijk on Wednesday night which saw the number nine laid on the deck receiving treatment. However, Eddie Howe was confident after the game that Wilson was fine, and when asked for an update on Friday, that confidence remained.

When it came to Joelinton and Sven Botman, who have been missing for a few matches, there was also potentially good news there, too.

"They have a chance. I'd say again today is a big day for them really because I think we'll see how close they are, whether they train with the team for the first time or not - but knowing both players they'll be very keen to be involved as long as their respective injuries feel good."

"I believe Callum's OK, yeah. I think he took a cut to his eye, but nothing more than that. I thought Callum did well in the game so fingers crossed he's fine as well."

Having Joelinton and Sven Botman back could be massive for Newcastle

It sounds like all three could be involved in training again today, which is a massive boost, not just ahead of Sunday's game but for that small matter of the Carabao Cup final next month.

Both Botman and Joelinton could make a huge difference to the team right now as something definitely feels lacking in both the defence and midfield.

Having that spine of the team reassembled could make all the difference at Wembley, especially if they've had a game or two to get back up to speed.