Newcastle are ‘almost certain’ to receive bad news today
Newcastle United are set to discover whether or not they will be able to sign players like Ruben Neves on loan when the January transfer window opens.
The Magpies have been linked with bringing in the Portuguese midfielder on a temporary basis, as they look to fill the hole in their squad left by Sandro Tonali following his ban.
Neves looks likely to be on the move in January, just months after joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. However, he has failed to settle there and is now seeking a return to the Premier League.
That looked like it would present Newcastle with an opportunity, but this situation is far from straightforward.
Any deal between the Magpies and Al Hilal would be controversial, as both clubs are owned by PIF.
Newcastle would be seen to be exploiting a loophole if they were to loan a player from another club under the same ownership, and it is a loophole that could be about to temporarily close.
Premier League clubs set to vote as Newcastle’s Ruben Neves interest hangs in the balance
The Premier League’s members are due to vote on a temporary ban on clubs loaning players from clubs with the same owner, amid Newcastle’s interest in Ruben Neves.
That vote takes place today (November 21st), with at least 14 out of 20 votes needed for it to pass.
According to iNews, it is ‘almost certain’ that Premier League clubs will vote in favour, which will result in Newcastle being unable to loan players from other clubs that PIF are linked with.
While Newcastle will be unable to get a player like Neves, there will be nothing to stop another Premier League side bringing in the 26-year-old. For example, Arsenal have been linked with a move for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star.
The rule would also stop Newcastle from signing Al Ittihad winger Jota, who has also been linked with a move to Tyneside.
It is a frustrating situation for the Magpies, and one they will have to work around as they
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Newcastle United handed £127m boost v Chelsea as fresh player ruled out & one doubt – photos
Newcastle United injuries: Here is some early team news ahead of the return of Premier League action against Chelsea at St James’ Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Newcastle United are hoping to welcome some players back from injury when they host Chelsea this weekend.
Newcastle’s list of injuries, doubts and unavailable players heading into the match at St James’ Park stood at 13 players at one stage – over half of Eddie Howe’s 25-man squad.
But The Magpies are hoping to welcome at least three players back from injury concerns this weekend with Miguel Almiron and Fabian Schar making good progress over the international break and Alexander Isak in line to return after a month on the sidelines with a groin issue.
Bruno Guimaraes is also set to return from suspension after missing the 2-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth last time out in the Premier League.
Guimaraes is one of a number of Newcastle players representing their respective nations during the international break. Almiron and Callum Wilson have already been forced to withdraw from the Paraguay and England squads due to injury while Kieran Trippier left the England camp due to a ‘personal issue’.
Howe will be hoping his international players return to the club unscathed this week in preparation for Chelsea.
Newcastle lost their last two matches heading into the international break and will be looking to bounce back on home turf this weekend.
Here is Newcastle United’s injury/unavailable list and expected return dates…
1. Fabian Schar (hamstring)
Fabian Schar went down and received treatment in Newcastle’s previous match against Bournemouth but was able to see out the match. He has since joined up with the Switzerland squad on international duty but was rested for the 1-1 Euro 2024 qualifiers against Israel on Wednesday and Kosovo on Saturday but has returned to full training. Expected return: Chelsea
2. Alexander Isak (groin)
Isak limped off against Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park last month after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury that hampered him during the last international break. Although the injury isn’t thought to be serious, the Sweden international has missed the last five matches and is expected to return after the November international break after being spotted back on the grass. Expected return: Chelsea (H) – 25/11
3. Bruno Guimaraes (suspension)
Bruno Guimaraes served his yellow card suspension against Bournemouth and is back available to play Chelsea on Saturday. Expected return: Chelsea (H) – 25/11
4. Miguel Almiron (hamstring)
Miguel Almiron was withdrawn with a hamstring issue against AFC Bournemouth which was later revealed as a grade one strain, sidelining him for a couple of weeks. He is in contention to feature against Chelsea this weekend. Expected return: Chelsea (H) – 25/11
