The stars might be aligning for West Ham in the relegation battle with Tottenham Hotspur as injury news emerges from Newcastle ahead of a huge clash on Sunday.
Spurs breathed new life into West Ham’s survival hopes when they could only draw with Leeds on Monday night.
It means the Hammers can jump back above Tottenham with a win at Newcastle.
West Ham would then be hoping Spurs’ dismal record at Chelsea continues when Roberto De Zerbi’s side go to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Spurs worry as Newcastle without five key stars for West Ham
West Ham may be facing Newcastle at a good time given Eddie Howe’s side have nothing but pride to play for in the final two games of the Premier League campaign.
Now there is further encouragement for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men ahead of the crucial trip to St James’ Park.
Between 1-10, how would you rate West Ham’s survival chances if they beat Newcastle? 😬
Because West Ham’s relief is Tottenham’s grief as Newcastle are hit by a triple injury blow.
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The Hammers go to Newcastle with a fully-fit squad bar Adama Traore.
But Tottenham will be watching on with nerves jangling because Howe looks set to be missing five key players for what is a pivotal game in the relegation battle.
The quintuple blow will be music to the ears of Nuno and West Ham fans.
Firstly, Howe has confirmed Joelinton is a doubt after picking up a thigh issue and is rated at less than 50/50 for the clash with the Irons.
The Magpies boss has confirmed Tino Livramento is doing well in his recovery from his groin/hip/pelvic injury. But Howe says the swashbuckling full-back will not be risked in the final two games of the campaign.
Joelinton and Schar to miss Hammers while Gordon may not start
Spurs will be concerned by the fact key Newcastle defender Fabian Schar will also miss the West Ham match.
Speaking ahead of the game against the Hammers, Howe said he ‘doesn’t think Schar will make the last two games’.
Imagine you’re Nuno – what changes are you making ahead of Newcastle? 💭
Back four? Start Wilson? What would you do? 🤔
Howe said: “It is a real shame for him. He was close to returning a few weeks ago, and then he suffered the infection, which set him back. He is back running again and looking healthy, but there is a big difference between that and actually playing.”
Emil Krafth remains out with a knee injury and has played his last game for Newcastle after his departure at the expiration of his contract was confirmed this week.
Impressive youngster Lewis Miley will also miss the West Ham game and his season is over after Howe confirmed he slipped in training last week and suffered an injury which required surgery and will rule him out ‘for a few months’.
There could be another huge boost for the Hammers too because Howe has confirmed his reluctance to start top scorer Anthony Gordon is ‘partially’ with a view to the future amid rumours of a mega money summer move, possibly to Bayern Munich.
Newcastle clearly have plenty of other top players to hurt the Hammers and do Tottenham a big favour in the process.
And Howe has sent a message to Spurs about Newcastle’s clash with West Ham, making his stance clear on Premier League integrity.
There is a very credible scenario where West Ham could stay up over Spurs with four points from games against Newcastle and Leeds.
Indeed, one win would be enough if Tottenham lose to both Chelsea and Europa League chasing Everton.