"Sounds as though" – Keith Downie shares early NUFC team news claim as Howe faces a "few" issues

Newcastle United may have a ‘few’ players out with illness for tonight’s Premier League encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Magpies will be determined to end a run of three consecutive defeats when they welcome Wolves to St. James’ Park but may be forced to do so without a handful of their first-team stars.

After going unbeaten in their opening eight top-flight fixtures of 2022, Newcastle have come crashing back down to earth, suffering losses to Chelsea, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Their 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Spurs last time out was their worst scoreline under the tutelage of manager Eddie Howe, and the 44-year-old tactician has admitted he was ‘very critical’ of his side following that result.

Being back on home territory could prove to be beneficial for Newcastle, though, with their last four fixtures coming away from St. James’ Park.

However, Howe confirmed that a spate of illness is disrupting his preparations for this evening’s intriguing clash against an in-form Wolves team, who are sitting pretty in eighth position.

“There’s been a bit of illness in the camp, probably for three or four weeks and when these things go through the squad, you’re always picking up the effects of it,” said Howe. “We still have had some illness in the squad this week.”

Howe also disclosed that he will make ‘a late call’ on midfielder Joe Willock after he picked up a knee problem but did reveal that he is ‘delighted’ to welcome back Miguel Almiron from illness.

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Nevertheless, Downie believes a number of Newcastle players are ‘struggling’ at this moment in time and that it ‘might affect team selection’.

He told