Newcastle face late Amar Dedic decision before Leeds visit

Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle faces a late decision over Amar Dedic’s availability for tonight’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United, after the defender suffered hamstring tightness in the EFL Cup win at Millwall.

Dedic was withdrawn at half-time during Newcastle’s 1-0 victory on Wednesday. Jaissle does not believe the problem is particularly serious, but the off-season arrival may be rested as a precaution.

If Dedic is not selected, Tino Livramento is the natural option at right-back. The England international played the second half against Millwall and completed the match without any problems.

Livramento had been managing a knee issue during the off-season, but his return to competitive action passed without complications. His availability gives Jaissle cover should Dedic fail to recover in time for the visit of Leeds.

Newcastle will definitely be without Dan Burn, Joelinton and Will Osula. The club expects all three players to work towards their respective returns after the next international break.

Goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen is also unlikely to be included in the squad. He twisted his ankle in training before Wednesday’s EFL Cup tie and has not been able to recover in time.

The Magpies have made a steady beginning under Jaissle, taking five points from their opening three Premier League matches. That is the same total collected by Leeds, setting up a meeting between two sides level on points.

Newcastle will also go into the game with the benefit of having advanced in the EFL Cup. Leeds, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their own league start against opponents who have already dealt with one knockout test this week.

Harvey Barnes is one of Newcastle’s main attacking threats, having scored eight goals in his past nine league appearances against Leeds.

Jaissle has a number of other attacking options available, including Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy. Bruno Guimaraes is also available as Newcastle prepare for the latest test of their early-season progress.