Joe Willock unable to make Newcastle debut against West Ham

Newcastle new boy Joe Willock will not make the squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener against West Ham at St James’ Park.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who enjoyed a fine loan spell with the Magpies last season, completed his move from Arsenal on Friday afternoon, but was not registered before the 12 noon deadline and will have to wait until next weekend’s trip to Aston Villa for his first appearance as a permanent signing.

Fellow midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has recovered from a calf problem and is available for selection, but keepers Martin Dubravka (foot) and Karl Darlow with the lingering effects of Covid-19 are out, meaning Freddie Woodman will make his Premier League debut.

West Ham have a couple of doubts ahead of their trip to the north east.

Angelo Ogbonna picked up a hamstring injury in the pre-season friendly win over Celtic while Manuel Lanzini (groin) is also a fitness concern.

Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola could make his competitive debut having joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle provisional squad: Woodman, Gillespie, Manquillo, Krafth, Lewis, Clark, Fernandez, Lascelles, Schar, Shelvey, Hayden, Willock Ritchie, S. Longstaff, M. Longstaff, Hendrick, Murphy, Fraser, Anderson, Saint-Maximin, Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton, Gayle.

West Ham provisional squad: Fabianski, Areola, Randolph, Coufal, Johnson, Dawson, Ogbonna, Alves, Diop, Cresswell, Masuaku, Noble, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Lanzini, Bowen, Yarmolenko, Benrahma, Antonio.