Tottenham injury news ahead of Newcastle clash as Ange Postecoglou confirms major blow

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their trip to St James' Park

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Tottenham Hotspur will be without Richarlison this weekend. Newcastle United will welcome the Lilywhites to St James' Park on Saturday afternoon as either side hopes to climb the Premier League table.

Spurs will be keen to extend their three-game unbeaten streak in the English top flight following a 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest. Just a three-goal difference separates the north London outfit in fourth from Aston Villa in fifth, with Champions League qualification up for grabs.

Tottenham also have a game in hand, which could prove decisive by May. As for the Magpies, they're just two points behind Manchester United in the race for Europa League football; while a win could propel them up the table, a defeat could all but crush their chances of a top six finish.

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Nevertheless, the Lilywhites have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of the meeting at St James' Park. Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon, Postecoglou confirmed that Richarlison would miss the clash due to injury.

"Yeah, he'll miss this week," said the Spurs boss. "He is close but with the weekend off next week, we feel and with the last two rounds stacked with games for us, we feel having him ready for that is more important, but he's progressing quite well."

Postecoglou was then quizzed on the Premier League run-in. The 58-year-old said: "I think they’re all tough. I’d be very surprised if anyone has an easy game. We certainly didn’t think it was easy against Forest, who were fighting for their lives, or Luton, or West Ham.

"I think every game, I think Saturday, we’ve got seven tough games to go, I think every team’s got tough games, just about every club’s got something to play for. I don’t think it’s about ladder positions right now.

"It’s about knowing that you’re going into a game on the weekend against an opponent who’ll be determined to gain something for themselves and we’ve got to gain something from that."

Not only will Tottenham be without Richarlison this weekend, but also Manor Soloman, Fraser Forster and Ryan Sessegnon. As for Newcastle, they're could be without nine players due to injury and, of course, Sandro Tonali, who's still serving a lengthy ban.

On Joe Willock, Howe said: "Joe has been to see another specialist to check on the progress of his Achilles which has been problematic for him. It's been a difficult injury as there has been a few complications.

"The feedback was positive generally in respect that it is healing. But it will fluctuate from time to time. There will be moments it won't feel so good. For Tottenham, I probably think he won't be available.

"There's a chance he will be available for the rest of the season but that is unclear. We need to make sure the long-term prognosis is positive and that might mean a short period of rest."

Then, on Joelinton, the Newcastle boss added: "I think Joe will tell you yes [that he will back before the season's end]. But we need to make sure that he is ready to play. We can't rush the process. He has to be feeling good and we have to minimise risk."

And on Lewis Hall, Howe said: "[Lewis Hall has] tightness in his quad. No muscle pull directly but enough to see him miss training this week. He's a doubt for the game."

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