'Huge blow' - Newcastle journalist reacts as early team news emerges hours before Brighton

Newcastle United journalist Charlie Bennett has given his reaction to the news that Adam Webster has now been ruled out for Brighton and Hove Albion.

Given the recent form of the two teams, and the fact that they are playing at home, the St. James’ Park faithful should feel as if they have a good chance of picking up all three points this afternoon.

Of course, it may come down to who is available for both sides, with Allan Saint-Maximin still a doubt for the hosts.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Graham Potter has revealed that Webster will definitely miss out.

Taking to Twitter, The Chronicle reporter Bennett has claimed that losing him is a ‘huge blow‘ for the Seagulls.

The loss of Webster will no doubt have the opposite effect for the North East club and should give them a boost going into the clash.

The central defender has missed their last two fixtures in the Premier League, in which Potter’s men have lost both and conceded five in the process.

He can be a real threat in both boxes, already notching up two goals this season, while he ranks highly among his teammates in terms of aerial duels won, interceptions, clearances, blocks, passes and long balls per game (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, the Tyneside outfit know how good he is and thus much of a loss he will be, having reportedly enquired over his potential signing in the January transfer window, so Chris Wood could be licking his lips looking at the Seagulls’ makeshift defence.

In other news, find out what ‘utterly heartless’ NUFC update has now left this talkSPORT journalist stunned here!

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