Newcastle handed double boost ahead of final day – Two Everton stars now ruled out?

Newcastle United received a significant lift heading into their final Premier League fixture of the season, as Everton’s injury troubles deepened following their recent outing at Goodison Park.

The Merseyside club, who secured a 2-0 win over Southampton courtesy of a brace from Iliman Ndiaye, are now expected to be without two of their most reliable defenders when they visit St. James’ Park on Sunday. With the stakes high for Newcastle, the absence of these key players could prove decisive.

Everton, having endured a tense relegation battle for much of the campaign, have now mathematically secured a mid-table finish. They will end the season in either 13th or 14th place depending on how Wolves perform in their final match.

While their safety is now confirmed, they head into the final weekend with fitness concerns looming large. Newcastle, aiming to secure a top-five finish, must claim all three points to ensure they stay ahead of Aston Villa, with goal difference working strongly in their favor.

The Toffees have been particularly hard hit in central defense. James Tarkowski, one of their most experienced and dependable centre-backs, has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury against Manchester City in mid-April.

In his absence, Everton manager David Moyes has been forced to reshuffle his back line, often relying on right-back Jake O’Brien to slot into the center of defense. That makeshift solution may now be stretched even thinner, as Jarrad Branthwaite was withdrawn with a similar hamstring problem during the win over Southampton.

The young defender had become a cornerstone of Moyes’ defense since the manager’s return in January, and his loss only compounds the defensive headache facing Everton.

All signs now point to a partnership of Jake O’Brien and Michael Keane at the back, a less-than-ideal setup when visiting a Newcastle side with plenty to play for.

Meanwhile, the Magpies are dealing with injury concerns of their own but could see some key players return just in time.

Alexander Isak was the most recent addition to the club’s injury list after being ruled out for their trip to Arsenal, a game in which Kieran Trippier also failed to make the matchday squad for a second consecutive time.

Eddie Howe, however, remains hopeful that both will be available for selection on Sunday. Their return would be a welcome boost as Newcastle look to wrap up a strong finish to their season, one that has seen them maintain a +22 goal difference—substantially better than Aston Villa’s +9.

Should Newcastle defeat Everton, they would mathematically secure a top-five spot regardless of Villa’s result.

There is less optimism around Joelinton’s availability. The Brazilian midfielder has been sidelined for some time and, despite his determined efforts behind the scenes, appears unlikely to recover in time.

Manager Eddie Howe acknowledged Joelinton’s work ethic and desire to return, describing him as someone who’s been “foot to the floor” in his rehabilitation.

Still, the reality is that the club is preparing to move forward without him for the final match, focusing instead on having him fully fit and ready for the next campaign.

With so much riding on Sunday’s result, the contrasting fortunes on the injury front could heavily influence the outcome.

Everton’s weakened defense, combined with Newcastle’s potential reinforcements, sets the stage for an intense battle. For Newcastle, victory will not only cement their position among the Premier League’s elite this season but also serve as a statement of their intent moving forward.

For Everton, it’s about ending a turbulent campaign with pride, though their depleted squad will need to dig deep to pose a serious challenge.