Newcastle injury update on Barnes, Willock, Longstaff and Schar

The Magpies brought their Premier League Summer Series to a close with a 2-1 victory against Albion thanks to Elliot Anderson’s late double. He struck in the 86th minute to cancel out Danny Welbeck’s opener before hitting the winner four minutes later.

Howe named a completely different XI to the team that started against Chelsea, with Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Callum Wilson among those starting. Harvey Barnes also started the game and although he was forced off in the 90th minute, Howe said it was nothing to worry about.

“Harvey will be OK,” said the head coach.

There was also a positive update on Sean Longstaff, with Howe hoping the influential midfielder is ready to play some part in next week’s Sela Cup double header at St James’ Park. It’s not clear at this stage, however, whether Joe Willock will be fit to feature next week.

Willock is working his way back from a hamstring injury, while Longstaff has had a foot problem.

Howe said: “The boys you talked about, hopefully Joe Willock will be OK but I’m not 100% sure when he’ll be returning.

“Sean Longstaff, we hope will be involved next week in the double header.”

Fabian Schar has had a scan on the injury he suffered against Chelsea in the midweek. The defender has some “slight irritation” to his hamstring but isn’t expected to be sidelined for long.

Howe was delighted to round off the United States trip with a win.

He said: “It was a really tough game. We always know that when you play Brighton, it’s a really tough examination of you tactically. They’re an outstanding team at keeping the ball and posing questions of your defensive shape.

“I felt actually defensively we were excellent today in both halves, it was more in possession I thought we really struggled.

“It’s probably not a surprise with the team we picked. We had a couple of players playing out of possession and that’s always difficult, but I was really pleased with the attitude and commitment of the players.

“Both teams made changes as the game went on and got younger. Maybe the first goal for us is key and changes the momentum. Thankfully we were able to get a second and it’s tribute to the players to the win the game.