The Italian head coach admits selection issues are causing him to lose sleep, with a number of first team regulars remaining on the lengthy injury list.
“We can’t lose any more players for the last four games,” he said. “We can’t take any risks and we start (with the intention) to win the game tomorrow but we have to think we have four games in 12 days. “I’m losing sleep to decide the best first XI.”
Sixth-placed Albion require just two more wins from their remaining four fixtures to secure Europa League qualification following the stunning success over Mikel Arteta’s Gunners last Sunday. De Zerbi though urged his players to set aside the elation of that result and focus on Newcastle. “We have to be ready to forget the last game and start with a clean head,” he said. “We are fighting for a historic target and if we want to reach the historic target we have to make historic results. “This year we won two times against Chelsea, we won 3-0 against Liverpool, we won 3-0 in Emirates Stadium. We are winning incredible games but to reach the incredible target you have to win incredible games. We can decide our destiny and our future but we know the way is still difficult.”
Here’s the list of the walking wounded ahead of Newcastle and expected return dates...
5. Tariq Lamptey - out
The full back is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee issue. Has not played since March. Photo: Naomi Baker
6. Joel Veltman - out
Will miss Newcastle due to a hamstring issue but is improving and De Zerbi hopes he's back to face Southampton or Man City Photo: Mike Hewitt
7. Solly March - out
Injured his hamstring against Everton and will miss the Newcastle clash and potentially the rest of the season Photo: Mike Hewitt
8. Jeremy Sarmiento - foot
A foot injury sustained on international will see him miss the Newcastle match and the rest of the season Photo: Charlie Crowhurst