North East reporter for The Daily Mail Craig Hope has now revealed that Joe Willock is a ‘doubt’ for Newcastle United through illness.

The Lowdown: Plenty of absentees

The St. James’ Park outfit have plenty of absentees going into this afternoon’s trip to Manchester United in the Premier League.

Both Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin have recently been ruled out through injury, and now another first-team player looks like he could also be absent.

The Latest: Willock a ‘doubt’

Taking to Twitter, Hope has revealed that Willock is now a ‘doubt’ for the trip to Old Trafford, as he has been feeling ‘poorly’ over the last few days, so a ‘late call’ will have to be made by Eddie Howe on the central midfielder:

“Hearing Joe Willock a doubt for Newcastle today. He’s been poorly past few days. Late call to be made.”

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The Verdict: Another blow

After losing both Isak and Saint-Maximin, Willock being ruled out would be yet another blow for Howe and his side.

The former Arsenal ace has started two assists in the top flight from his central midfield role.

Nonetheless, it will no doubt be interesting to see whether he is deemed OK to play given his illness, or whether Howe has to call on another player to replace him in the starting line-up.