Newcastle V Leeds at St James' Park : Match Preview

12 April 2017 01:34

Newcastle monitoring Jack Colback and Isaac Hayden fitness ahead of Leeds clash

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez will monitor the fitness of Jack Colback and Isaac Hayden ahead of the Good Friday visit of play-off hopefuls Leeds.

Colback has been struggling with a virus and Hayden tightness in his ankle, causing the two midfielders to miss the last two matches.

Striker Dwight Gayle is out after going off with hamstring trouble 29 minutes into last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

Benitez has no further injury concerns, however, as the Magpies continue their bid to return to the top flight at the first attempt.

Leeds pair Liam Bridcutt and Hadi Sacko are both hoping to return to contention.

Midfielder Bridcutt missed last week's home win against Preston due to an Achilles problem, while an ankle injury has ruled winger Sacko out of the last two games.

Goalkeeper Marco Silvestri could miss the rest of the season after knee surgery, so Bailey Peacock-Farrell is likely to start on the bench again.

Centre-half Liam Cooper will serve the third game of his six-match ban and fellow defender Tyler Denton (knee) is still out.


Source: PAR