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...
9. Jakub Moder - out
Has not played for a year with a ACL issue...The Poland international is making progress in training and will be back for next season. Photo: Warren Little
10. Julio Enciso - doubt
Sustained a foot injury in the second half against Arsenal. hobbled off but is said to be able to feature at Newcastle. De Zerbi will assess if that is from the start or the bench Photo: Julian Finney
11. Facundo Buonanotte - doubt
This hugely gifted talent from Argentina was not fit enough to start at Arsenal due to a 'small problem'. De Zerbi confirmed he can play at Newcastle but perhaps not from the start Photo: Mike Hewitt