Six potential Newcastle United players missing Aston Villa clash

Aston Villa face Eddie Howe's Newcastle United side on Sunday at 2pm and could be set to receive a huge boost as the home side look set to be without up to six first team players for this fixture.

Here are the players set to miss the fixture against Steven Gerrard's side.

Eddie Howe recently announced there was no return date for the striker and outlined he hopes the player will be back for the "last few games of the season."

Wilson suffered a calf injury in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Another long-term injury for the Magpies is Matt Ritchie who is suffering with a knee injury and has missed the last two games due to this.

The South American picked up an injury Howe described as a "slight thigh problem" prior to the festive period but is yet to make his return to the side. Although the Newcastle boss did outline he is making good progress in his recovery.

His last appearance for Newcastle came in the 1-0 win at home against Burnley at the start of December.

After a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a calf injury in pre-season, Dummett made his return to the side recently but has since suffered another setback.

Howe stated: "Paul Dummett is getting closer" when discussing the progress of the player and also stated he was more likely to return sooner than Fernandez.

Targett will be unavailable for selection due to the terms agreed in his loan deal with Villa, as the Premier League forbids players featuring against their parent clubs.

Trippier reportedly picked up a calf injury in the 3-1 win against Everton, with Howe stating: "We don't think it's a long term injury but we'll have to make a late call on him.

"He's been so important for us in recent games. I thought he was outstanding against Everton."