Newcastle could be missing 5 players vs Liverpool as Eddie Howe makes Alexander Isak admission

Liverpool hosts Newcastle United in the Premier League later today, with both Champions League-chasing sides potentially set to be without five players for the clash

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.(Image: Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Eddie Howe says Newcastle is still sweating on the availability of Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes, who was left on the bench in the Champions League as the Magpies drew 1-1 with PSG, ahead of facing Liverpool.

It would be a major blow for the North East side to be without its captain, though no risks will be taken that could make his injury worse. Tino Livramento (thigh), Fabian Schar (ankle), Joelinton (hip) and Emil Krafth (knee) are expected to miss out, with both teams potentially without five key men.

Liverpool will also be without five players. Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, both right-back options, are out injured. Dominik Szoboszlai could be asked to fill in there, with Wataru Endo another contender.

Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are long-term absentees, while Joe Gomez remains out following the knock he sustained when Alisson Becker crashed into him last weekend. French center-back Ibrahima Konate is available again following the passing of his father.

"For us it's about making sure we perform in every game, regardless of where we play," Howe said in his pre-match press conference. "It's a great fixture. Historically, it's been a great fixture. We want to try and do that justice by being the best we can."

The Newcastle boss also spoke honestly about losing Isak in the summer. The record-breaking striker has a broken leg and is therefore missing this game, delaying his reunion with his old side.

Eddie Howe and Arne Slot.(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

"It's an ever-challenging thing," Howe admitted. "You lose a player like Alex.. and let's put this right, Liverpool paid the money they did because he's an outstanding footballer, an unbelievable talent.

"We were privileged to have him for the years that we had him. We loved working with him. He was an outstanding player.

"When you take that player away from your team, it's going to change the dynamics, that's for sure. Then you have to try to find a way of, not replacing him, but finding a player or players who can still make the team really effective.

"We're still in that moment and we've been trying to do that all season. I think the guys who have come in have done a very good job.

"But we're still finding ways to get the best out of the new players that we've signed without training, with very minimal time to do any work with them.

"There's been video analysis, talking to them, which is great, but it's not the same as getting the work on the training pitch.

"They've done really well and they're trying to give the team the best that they have and we are trying to adapt."