Boost for Jason Tindall as £25M Newcastle United player confirmed to be ‘available’ for Crystal Palace
Jason Tindall has delivered positive news on the injury front as Newcastle United prepare for Wednesday night’s pivotal Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace. With manager Eddie Howe still recovering from pneumonia, Tindall and assistant Graeme Jones will once again take charge of team affairs following their impressive 4-1 dismantling of Manchester United last weekend.
The Magpies’ interim management duo confirmed midfielder Joe Willock has successfully completed concussion protocols and will be available for selection against Palace. The 25-year-old’s return comes at an opportune moment as Newcastle look to extend their winning streak to six matches across all competitions.
“Joe’s now exiting the concussion protocols so he’s available to be involved in the squad tomorrow,” Tindall announced during his pre-match press conference. “Everybody has come away from Sunday fine. It was good to get Anthony Gordon some minutes and good to have him back with the qualities he’s got. The squad is in good shape.”
Willock’s availability means Newcastle now have their complete midfield arsenal at disposal, with Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton expected to retain their starting berths after their dominant display against Manchester United.
However, the Brazilian powerhouse Joelinton walks a disciplinary tightrope – one more booking would trigger a two-match suspension that would rule him out of upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa and Ipswich Town.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Guimarães | 42 | 7 | 9 | Outstanding vs Man Utd |
| Sandro Tonali | 18 | 3 | 4 | Growing influence |
| Joelinton | 28 | 5 | 3 | Physical presence crucial |
| Joe Willock | 35 | 3 | 2 | Returning from concussion |
| Sean Longstaff | 38 | 4 | 5 | Consistent performer |
| Lewis Miley | 22 | 1 | 3 | Teenage breakthrough |
Willock’s last start came in late February during Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield, but the former Arsenal academy product remains an important squad member despite limited starting opportunities this campaign. The £25 million midfielder has contributed three goals and two assists across 35 appearances this term, with only 14 of those being starts.
Tindall emphasized the squad’s collective spirit remains strong despite rotation challenges: “Competition for places is exactly what we want. Every player understands their role and is ready to contribute when called upon.”
Newcastle’s current form has been nothing short of spectacular, with five consecutive victories propelling them into fourth position. A positive result against Palace would see them leapfrog Nottingham Forest into third, further solidifying their Champions League credentials.
The return of key players like Willock and Gordon from injury provides timely depth as the Magpies enter the season’s decisive phase.
With European football already secured for next season thanks to their Carabao Cup triumph, Newcastle’s ambitions now focus on returning to Europe’s elite competition.
The midfield department, now at full strength, will be crucial in determining whether they can maintain their impressive run and secure a top-four finish.
As the St James’ Park faithful prepare for another potentially season-defining night, the availability of Willock adds another dimension to Newcastle’s tactical options. Whether from the start or as an impact substitute, the dynamic midfielder’s return gives Tindall and Jones additional firepower as they look to extend Newcastle’s winning momentum.