Forgotten Newcastle United 32 year-old set to start first Premier League game in 812 days vs Spurs

Newcastle United are set to hand a start to somewhat forgotten veteran Paul Dummett when they face Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park this weekend. It would be the 32-year-old's first Premier League start in 812 days.

The Magpies have been blighted by injuries this season and the club's treatment room is still full of first-team stars at this late stage of the season. Nick Pope, Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Lewis Miley and Matt Targett are all sure to miss out again for Saturday's early kick-off.

In his pre-match press conference, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe also confirmed that Joe Willock is also likely to be absent, having been withdrawn early in the side's win over Fulham. Howe said: "Joe has been to see another specialist to check on the progress of his Achilles which has been problematic for him. It's been a difficult injury because it's not been straightforward and he's had a few complications through the process of him returning back to full fitness.

"His feedback was positive, generally, in the respect that the Achilles is healing and doing well but it will fluctuate from time to time. It will have moments where it's not feeling so good.

"For Tottenham, I probably think he won't be available for us. There's a chance he will then be available throughout the rest of the season but that's slightly unclear. We need to make sure the long-term prognosis for him is positive and that might mean a short period of rest."

Newcastle United are also struggling for troops in defence, even with full-back Tino Livramento getting closer to a return. Against the Cottagers, Howe named a somewhat makeshift back four of Lewis Hall, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth.

Watch - Who Will Win The Title Race? | The Premier League Panel

However, for Spurs, the Magpies may well be without Chelsea loanee Hall. Howe said: "The closest player to coming back would be Tino Livramento, he has not trained with the team but has been out on the grass. Lewis Hall has not trained at all this week, so he is a slight concern from last week. Other players are doing well in the background so I am hoping in the not-too-distant future we can get three or four back."

That news could have Spurs' attacking forces of Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min and Timo Werner licking their lips. Howe may have no other choice than to hand a start to 32-year-old Dummett on Saturday.

The centre-back has been with Newcastle United since 2010 but has become a fringe player since Howe's arrival. Dummett hasn't started a Premier League game since January 22, 2022 - which the Magpies won 1-0.

Dummett has made three appearances off the bench in the top flight this season, two in the last two matches, playing a total of 15 minutes. Against Everton, it was the substitute's manhandling of Toffees' man Ashley Young that gifted the Merseyside team a penalty to level the scores.

The defender has faced Spurs 10 times in his career, only playing against Manchester City more, winning four, drawing one and losing one of those encounters. He last faced Tottenham in April 2021, when the sides drew 2-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.