Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has a welcome selection dilemma brewing at St James' Park - and that's before the transfer window swings open for business.
With Alexander Isak's comeback just around the corner, Howe must decide how he fits the Sweden international into his game plan alongside Callum Wilson and Chris Wood is trying hard to have a say with a couple of goals this term.
The front three leaves Howe with some difficult decisions too. Arguably the biggest of the lot really.
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Allan Saint-Maximin is now fit again but Miguel Almiron, Jacob Murphy and Ryan Fraser are also vying for places out wide. All four played very well in Riyadh earlier in the week.
In midfield, Howe must decide long-term who partners Bruno Guimaraes in the middle. Sean Longstaff was another to impress in the 5-0 win over Al-Hilal while Jonjo Shelvey is pushing. Joe Willock is arguably playing his way close to being an automatic starter as he finds himself back on the goal trail in the Premier League with two in his last two matches.
The defensive area is interesting as well and while Kieran Trippier is another in the automatic starter category, on the other flank Dan Burn is keeping Matt Targett sidelined with some mammoth performances at left-back. In the heart of defence Fabian Schar and Sven Botman seem to be the pairing that will take Newcastle into 2023 as first choice centre-backs.
Howe said earlier this week: “We look like, on paper, we have a very strong squad when everyone’s fit. Everyone’s not fit currently, and that has a bearing on what you look to do in January.”
Once the injuries clear, Howe knows he will difficult choices to make as United prepare to mount a European push in the second half of the season.
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