Newcastle United look set to be without Alex Murphy for their Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies face Spurs on Wednesday night, as they continue their defence of the Carabao Cup after knocking out Bradford City in the previous round.
Tottenham Hotspur should provide a sterner test, although Thomas Frank has said he will rotate his side after beating Everton 3-0 on Sunday.
Eddie Howe will likely make multiple changes too, but that is not going to be to Alex Murphy’s benefit.
Alex Murphy set to miss Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United Under-21s were in action on Monday night, beating Crystal Palace 2-0 away from home in a Premier League 2 game.
The Toon starting XI included Murphy at left-back, with the Irishman providing the assist for Anthony Munda’s opener. Murphy played 74 minutes in total before being replaced by Charlie McArthur.
His involvement away to Palace on Monday night almost certainly rules him out of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie, despite Newcastle United having a lack of left-back options at senior level.
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Dan Burn could do with a rest, while it is unclear whether the injured Lewis Hall will be available to make his comeback.
Following Hall’s injury, Eddie Howe did say that Murphy was an option that he could consider to play left-back.
“We’ve got Alex Murphy who is developing all the time who can play that role for us,” he said.
“Beyond that, I don’t think we have too many others.”
Despite Howe’s recent admission, it does not look like the 21-year-old will be involved at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe not turning to youth during Carabao Cup defence
Clubs often use cup ties as an opportunity to give youth prospects a chance.
Howe briefly did that in the previous round, with Alex Murphy featuring as a substitute. He replaced Sven Botman in the 89th minute, making his third senior appearance for the club.
However, he was the only youth prospect included in the squad.
With an even tougher game against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round, it looks like even Murphy will miss out.
Other young stars like Leo Shahar, Sean Neave and Seung-soo Park are all set to miss out too, having started Newcastle United Under-21s’ win over Crystal Palace.