Eddie Howe confirms midfielder injury worry ahead of Manchester United vs Newcastle

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that midfielder Joe Willock faces a battle to be fit in time for Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley.

Willock, who joined the Magpies on a permanent deal from Arsenal in August 2021, missed Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool after being forced off during a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth a week earlier. The midfielder was forced off shortly before half-time at the Vitality Stadium with a muscular problem.

He was, as a result, ruled out of the weekend's defeat to Liverpool and now faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday's Wembley showdown with United. Willock has been a key fixture for Newcastle this season, making 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.

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"Joe Willock will probably be touch and go during the week," said Howe, as quoted by Chronicle Live. "He's improved, (it will) probably be a late decision on him."

Although Newcastle face an anxious wait on Willock's availability, they will be boosted by the return of fellow midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. He has missed the last three matches through suspension and is expected to walk straight back into the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, left-back Matt Targett is set to be included in the matchday squad and is likely to take up residency on the bench. He featured for Newcastle's Under-21s against Brentford B in a friendly at the weekend. He has not played for the first team since November.

Howe added: "Certainly, Matt Targett's improved a lot. He had a game at the weekend.

"We thought it was wise to leave him out of the game, and really pleased with his fitness. I was really pleased with what he did, so I'd say yes,