Two Newcastle United players are now just one booking away from suspension.

Two players for Newcastle United are currently one booking away from suspension.This weekend, as Newcastle United travels to Luton, two players are now one yellow card away from suspension for a Premier League match.

DORTMUND – (back l-r) Newcastle United FC goalkeeper Nick Pope, Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United FC, Fabian Schar of Newcastle United FC, Callum Wilson of Newcastle United FC, Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United FC, Joelinton of Newcastle United FC (front l-r) Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United FC, Lewis Hall of Newcastle United FC, Tino Livramento of Newcastle United FC, Joe Willock of Newcastle United FC, Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United FC at the Signal Iduna Park on November 7, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | GERRIT VAN COLOGNE (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)

The accumulation of injuries on Newcastle’s injury list over the past few months has severely limited Eddie Howe’s selection criteria for these crucial contests; therefore, two suspensions are the last thing they need at this time.Jamaal Lascelles and Sean Longstaff have each received four yellow cards this season in the Premier League; if they receive another against Luton, they risk missing Newcastle’s Boxing Day match against Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle must acquire as many athletes as possible.

Newcastle may have the opportunity to add reinforcements when the January transfer window opens the following month; however, they must maintain the availability of all of their currently fit players for the duration of the Christmas season.

Longstaff and Lascelles have not only returned from injury but have also been performing at an unprecedented level, which has made them indispensable members of the group.Newcastle’s defense was feared to have completely collapsed when 30-year-old Lascelles entered the lineup in place of Sven Botman following his injury. However, the 30-year-old has more than held his own in the lineup.

Newcastle also misses the diligent efforts of Longstaff when he is absent, and the midfield would struggle in any contest, regardless of the opposition, in the absence of Joelinton.This season, Newcastle has become more robust.

Newcastle received a mere 62 yellow cards during the entire Premier League season in 2017, ranking thirteenth among all teams.

This has since changed as their current total stands at 41 after only 17 games played, propelling them to the eighth spot in the league.

It is apparent that either Howe is requesting a greater degree of physicality from the players in comparison to the previous year, or the players have elected to address the situation independently. Perhaps the additional anguish of having to withdraw from two tournaments at this juncture is also influencing these figures.

In any case, Newcastle are on pace to accrue more yellow cards than Leeds, who accumulated 84 throughout the previous season. However, Longstaff and Lascelles will be hoping to avoid picking up another two this weekend.