"Newcastle booked their place in the play-off round of this season's UEFA Champions League knockouts with a 12th place finish in the league phase. Eddie Howe's Magpies have been drawn against Azeri club FK Qarabag, who themselves surprised Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Copenhagen and Benfica by beating the European trio to help book a place in the knockouts. Newcastle travel to Azerbaijan this week ahead of Wednesday evening's fixture, but one of their most experienced players will not be a part of the squad."
"Howe's squad was not supplemented with fresh faces in the January transfer window, despite supporters' perception that reinforcements were necessary. Newcastle have looked especially light in defence lately and parted company with back-up central defender Jamaal Lascelles during the winter window, who was allowed to join Leicester City after a lengthy stint at St. James' Park. Eddie Howe has made a change to his Newcastle Champions League squad for the knockout rounds"
Newcastle qualified for the Champions League play-off round after a 12th-place league-phase finish and drew Azerbaijani side FK Qarabag for the knockout tie. The club made no January signings and allowed backup centre-back Jamaal Lascelles to join Leicester City. Several defenders have suffered injuries: Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar are sidelined long-term, while Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Dan Burn have all battled fitness issues. Emil Krafth, age 31, has been omitted from the 25-man knockout squad because of a knee injury and has been replaced by reserve goalkeeper John Ruddy under permitted squad-amendment rules. Newcastle travel to Azerbaijan this week for the Wednesday fixture.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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