Newcastle United welcomed Leeds to St James’ Park in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
It’s a big game for both clubs, for different reasons.
Indeed, Newcastle United are looking to string a run together and build on their recent wins over both Burnley and Crystal Palace as they hunt down a Champions League spot.
Leeds, meanwhile, have improved in recent weeks and are looking to pull themselves further away from the relegation zone.
Two changes 👀 Big call on Lewis Miley – is he now our best RB?!
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The game saw former Toon goalkeeper Karl Darlow return to St James’ Park, with the Welsh international named on the Leeds bench.
There was, however, no return for Sean Longstaff.
Leeds leave Sean Longstaff out of squad to face Newcastle United
Longstaff, of course, came up through the Newcastle academy ranks and went on to make 214 appearances for the club, winning the Carabao Cup in the process.
The midfielder left for Elland Road earlier this summer for around £12million and has since made 13 appearances.
However, manager Daniel Farke left him out of the squad for their trip to Tyneside.
If PSR did not exist, Newcastle should have kept Longstaff! Tell me why I’m wrong ❌
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According to journalist Graham Smyth of The Yorkshire Evening Post on social media platform X, Longstaff hasn’t picked up a fresh injury.
He has recently been ruled out of action but returned to the Leeds bench for their draw with Manchester United.
Rather than take any risks, Farke simply wanted to include Sam Byram on the bench tonight and already had Ao Tanaka in reserve as midfield cover.
Eddie Howe has missed Sean Longstaff at Newcastle United
On paper, the depth of options within the Newcastle United squad in midfield positions is one of their greatest strengths.
However, things have not really played out that way this season. Jacob Ramsey – who was brought in after Longstaff was sold – has not hit the ground running.
Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Joelinton have all struggled for form during various points of the campaign thus far too.
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As such, Eddie Howe has claimed that Newcastle miss Longstaff.
Prior to the Leeds game, he said: “When I first trained with him I saw the level of player he could be. Our system brought out the best in him. He scored important goals. He really loves and understands the game. We have missed him.”
Longstaff is a huge Newcastle fan so the fact he’s had to miss the game will no doubt be a blow to him on a personal level.
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