Newcastle United’s 2–0 home win over Crystal Palace brought plenty of positives, but it was not without a late concern. As the full-time whistle approached at St James’ Park, Jacob Murphy picked up a muscular issue that could put his availability for Wednesday night’s clash with Leeds United in doubt. It slightly dampened the mood after an otherwise encouraging afternoon for Eddie Howe and his players.
Murphy was forced off in the 88th minute after feeling discomfort in his hamstring. Instead of taking a seat on the bench after being substituted, he headed straight down the tunnel, which immediately raised questions about his condition.
The winger will now be closely monitored over the next 24 hours as the medical staff assess how serious the problem is and whether he can recover in time for the midweek fixture.
Speaking after the match, Howe played down the situation but admitted that Murphy’s condition needs careful checking. He explained that the player felt a bit of awareness in his hamstring rather than a sharp pain, which offers some hope that the issue is not serious.
Even so, the club will not take any risks given the busy schedule and the importance of keeping key players fit during this crucial part of the season.
While Murphy’s situation remains uncertain, there was better news regarding Yoane Wissa. The forward completed his second start in just five days and came through the game without any problems. Howe was clearly pleased with Wissa’s performance, praising his effort and overall contribution.
After a spell on the sidelines earlier in the season, Wissa is now building fitness and sharpness, and his growing presence in the team is a welcome boost for Newcastle.
The win itself was another step forward for the Magpies. Goals from Bruno Guimarães and Malick Thiaw in the second half secured all three points and lifted Newcastle into the top half of the Premier League table.
It was a solid and professional display, even if it was not the most entertaining performance, and it underlined how important home form continues to be for Howe’s side.
One of the most encouraging signs from the afternoon was the strength of the matchday squad. For the first time in a while, Howe was able to call upon several senior players who have recently returned from injury.
Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, and Kieran Trippier were all named on the bench after completing their recoveries. Their presence alone added experience and depth, even if only one of them featured on the pitch.
Livramento was introduced in the second half, replacing Lewis Hall, and immediately brought energy and balance to the team. His return gives Howe another strong option at full-back, and he will be pushing hard for a starting role against Leeds.
Botman and Trippier, meanwhile, remained unused substitutes. Having only trained for a couple of days, the decision was taken to manage their minutes carefully.
Howe made it clear how important these returning players are as Newcastle head into a demanding month. With league games, cup ties, and big fixtures coming thick and fast, having a full squad available is crucial.
He stressed that it is not just about having numbers, but about having leaders and experienced voices within the group. Players like Botman and Trippier bring calm, authority, and guidance, qualities that have been missed during their absence.
The Newcastle boss also touched on how difficult the injury situation has been at times this season. At one point, the club had eight or nine players unavailable, which made consistency hard to achieve.
Despite that, the team has continued to compete, often without much sympathy or attention from outside. Now, with bodies returning and form improving, there is a sense that Newcastle can finally start to build momentum.
As things stand, attention quickly turns to Wednesday’s game against Leeds. Murphy’s fitness will be a key talking point, but overall, the mood around the club is positive. With players returning, confidence growing, and important points on the board, Newcastle look better equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead.
