Newcastle remove player from Champions League squad on eve of Qarabag tie

Newcastle United have made a late change to their squad list for the Champions League knockout stages.

Eddie Howe's side will travel to the Azersun Arena in Azerbaijan on Wednesday night, where they will come up against Qarabag in the first leg of their crucial Champions League knockout phase play-off.

The Magpies are attempting to qualify for the round of 16 for the first time since 2002-03.

It has been a difficult period for the club in regards to injuries, with Joelinton, Lewis Miley and Sven Botman being fitness concerns ahead of Newcastle's midweek trip to Qarabag.

Earlier this month, Eddie Howe also confirmed that defender Emil Krafth is "not close" to a return, three months after suffering a knee injury in a World Cup qualifier for Sweden against Slovenia.

Emil Krafth (left) has struggled for first-team minutes this season. Image credit:

Krafth, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been plagued by injuries in recent years. The former Bologna full-back, 31, was ruled out for 14 months with an ACL injury between 2022 and 2023.

With the Swede once again on the sidelines, it was confirmed this week that Krafth has been removed from Newcastle's squad list for the Champions League knockout stages.

He has been replaced by 39-year-old John Ruddy, who gives Howe more options in the goalkeeping department alongside Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope.

Krafth has made just three appearances at club level this season.

Krafth has been removed from Newcastle's Champions League squad. Image credit: Getty

Speaking ahead of their clash against Qarabag, Eddie Howe gave an update on Bruno Guimaraes, who is expected to be out for around two months after picking up a hamstring injury.

"I don’t think there is any miracle cure for him," said Howe. “I think it will be a couple of months [that he will miss]. Probably looking at the end of the international break in March for him."

"That is a blow for us," added Howe. "It is a key stage in the season for us. He is devastated but it is what it is."

The Newcastle boss was also asked about Yoane Wissa and Sven Botman.

“Yoane picked up a knock in training on Friday. We don’t think it is serious but he may miss a couple of games," said Howe.

“Sven’s feeling is back from the game against Spurs. We don’t think it is a serious injury and we certainly hope he won’t be out for any period of time. It was the right decision not to let him travel (for the Aston Villa game).”