Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle faces several significant selection decisions when his team returns to Premier League action at Coventry City on October 12. The match at the Coventry Building Society Arena has been moved to a Monday night, giving the Magpies extra recovery time beyond the three-week mark following the international break.
That extended layoff means a host of players should be available again. Dan Burn, Amar Dedic, Anthony Elanga, Nico Gonzalez, Ewen Jaouen, Joelinton, Tino Livramento, William Osula and Jacob Ramsey all missed the win over Hull City before the internationals, but several are due back in time for the trip to the Sky Blues.
Joelinton's return and the midfield dilemma
Joelinton has missed the entire start of the domestic campaign with a muscle injury, and it remains unclear whether he will begin his comeback on the bench. The former Hoffenheim player appears ready to restart his season in October.
Joe Willock and Sean Steur filled the holding midfield roles against Hull, with the Dutch youngster earning man of the match and Willock scoring his third goal of the season. Jaissle could adjust his formation to fit Joelinton, but dropping either Steur or Willock would be a major call.
The £51million decision and Osula's return
Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Yoane Wissa have led the line in the absence of Denmark international William Osula. The ex-Sheffield United forward has been out since August with a foot injury, sustained during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Osula's pace and strength would be valuable to Jaissle, but his return could end Fernandez-Pardo's run in the starting lineup. It is a significant call, with Osula's height and Premier League experience potentially proving decisive at Coventry.
Botman under pressure as Burn returns
Sven Botman's form has been inconsistent since the season began, and he currently occupies the preferred position of club captain Dan Burn. The 34-year-old England international is unlikely to accept a bench role, but dropping Botman would also be a bold move, with fans divided on his performances.
Botman struggled against Leeds but showed improvement in parts of the Hull match. Burn, standing 6ft 7in, brings experience and leadership for a crucial game at Coventry. Whether Jaissle can accommodate both with a formation tweak remains to be seen, as he has stuck with a 4-2-3-1 system since taking charge.
