Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has revealed that Joe Willock is in a "race" to return from injury in time for Sunday's EFL Cup final against Manchester United.
The Magpies are currently preparing for their first final since they finished runners-up to Man United in the 1998-99 FA Cup.
Howe already has to deal with a goalkeeping dilemma after Nick Pope was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside the area in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Martin Dubravka would have been the obvious backup, but the Slovakia international is cup-tied, having played two EFL Cup games for Sunday's opponents when he was on loan at Man United earlier this season.
With Pope and Dubravka unavailable, Howe is expected to hand a debut to former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, who joined the club on a free transfer in September.
While Howe has backed Karius to "rewrite" the story of his career, the Newcastle boss has indicated that Willock is a doubt for the final due to injury.
"Joe Willock will be in a race to be fit but we are hopeful," Howe told reporters at the club's media day.
Willock has been an integral part of Howe's side this season, starting 20 of the club's 23 Premier League games.
However, the 23-year-old was forced off in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth with a hamstring problem, which ultimately kept him out of Saturday's home meeting with Liverpool.
Joelinton also seemed to be struggling with a hamstring issue when he was withdrawn in the second half at the weekend, but Howe is confident that the 26-year-old will be fit for the final.
Howe said: "We think Joelinton is OK from the weekend - there is still a long time to go before the game."
The Newcastle manager also praised Callum Wilson, who recovered from an injury issue to appear off the bench just after the hour mark against Liverpool.
"I think Callum did well when he came on," the 45-year-old added. "He had the chance to score which he is probably disappointed he didn't take.
"It was great driving play from Anthony [Gordon] who did well, as did most of the substitutes when they came on. Callum did well, I was pleased with him and I am just pleased he managed to get through that 30-minute spell fine."
Newcastle, who currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League table, will be aiming to win the EFL Cup for the first time in their history on Sunday. body check tags ::
