Man Utd’s Champions League rivals dealt injury blow ahead of Leicester City and Chelsea games

Manchester United’s Champions League rivals Newcastle United could be without Joe Willock for the remainder of this season. The former Arsenal man picked up a hamstring injury in the Toon Army’s win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday night.

Eddie Howe’s side won 4-1 against the Seagulls after goals by Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson and an own goal by Deniz Undav. They are now three points above the Red Devils in the table.

However, United do still have a game in-hand on their rivals. 5th position Liverpool have also emerged back in the picture for the top four after their recent impressive run of form and they are only a point behind Erik ten Hag’s men now.

Newcastle’s hopes have been dealt a slight blow now with Willock sustaining an injury and Joelinton also getting a knock. Howe has said: “The two Joes are a bit of a doubt for us. Joelinton took a knock, I think, and Willock looks like he’s got a hamstring injury.”

United return to the action this weekend against Bournemouth away and take on a Cherries side who have already secured their Premier League status for another year after a strong turnaround under Gary O’Neil. The Red Devils won 2-0 at home to Wolves last time out after goals by Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho so make the trip down to Dorset in confident mood.

Ten Hag’s men then have back-to-back home clashes against London pair Chelsea and Fulham respectively to end the campaign as they look to get over the line. They also have the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City in early June to look forward to as well.

As for Newcastle, they may need to navigate their remaining two fixtures against Leicester City at home and Chelsea away without Willock. Meanwhile, Liverpool face Aston Villa at Anfield and Southampton away.