Newcastle United haven’t gotten off to the greatest of starts in the Premier League this campaign, but they have a little bit of momentum heading into this international break.
Can they keep it when they return, and will their players be healthy and in form? Here’s an update on how they’ve done so far:
Christian Atsu
The Ghana winger played all 90 minutes for his country on Friday in a 1-1 draw at home to Congo. He had the assist on their 86th minute equalizer, but the draw leaves them in serious jeopardy of elimination from the group.
Chancel Mbemba
The DR Congo defender was involved for all 90 minutes of his side’s 2-1 defeat away to Tunisia on Friday. That leaves his team three points back of Tunisia now in the group with three matches left to play.
Aleksandar Mitrovic
The Serbian striker scored a goal in the 81st minute and was then taken off just a minute later on. His goal was the team’s third goal in a 3-0 rout over Moldova. They are now on top of their group.
Ciaran Clark
The Irish international played all 90 minutes of his side’s 1-1 draw away to Georgia. The result, a disappointing one, leaves them two points off the pace of Mitrovic’s Serbia team.
Rob Elliot
The Irish goalkeeper was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw at Georgia.
Matt Ritchie
The Scottish international came on as a 66th minute sub on Friday as his Scotland side ran out 0-3 winners against Lithuania in Vilnius. They still face an uphill climb, though, as they are four points back of the playoffs.
