Injuries dash Newcastle's chance of moving clear of the drop zone

Steve Bruce, NUFC Head Coach Credit: PA

Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce is facing up to the prospect of overseeing a fight for Premier League survival without his three most dangerous players.

With 10-goal leading scorer Callum Wilson already sidelined for several more weeks, Bruce saw Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin limp off the pitch during Saturday evening's 1-1 draw with Wolves.

Both will undergo scans as medics attempt to assess the extent of the damage, but with the pair and Wilson having contributed 16 of the Magpies 27 league goals so far this season, any prolonged absence would come as a major blow.

Allan Saint-Maximin was injured in the 1-1 draw against Wolves Credit: PA

Asked if his team could score goals and win games without the trio, Bruce replied: "We're going to have to if that is the case, we're going to have to find a way. Our top goalscorer last year only scored six goals and we managed to find a way and get some results.

Newcastle's lack of goals was once again highlighted as they failed to make the most of the chances they created in an encouraging performance and ultimately had to rely upon a remarkable save by returning keeper Martin Dubravka to emerge with even a point.

After Almiron had hit the post in the first half, skipper Jamaal Lascelles headed them in front seven minutes after the break only for Ruben Neves to level with 17 minutes remaining.

Jamaal Lascelles headed them in front seven minutes after the break only for Ruben Neves to level with 17 minutes remaining. Credit: PA

However, they should have regained their lead in the closing stages when substitute Jacob Murphy carved his way into the penalty area before squaring for £40million striker Joelinton, whose shot hit defender Romain Saiss on the line and somehow squirmed over the bar.

Newcastle's disappointment would have been compounded in stoppage-time ha Dubravka, making his first league appearance of the season, not managed to divert substitute Fabio Silva's header on to the underside of the crossbar and away.

The Magpies remain firmly entrenched in a relegation fight as a result, while Wolves have eased themselves into a comfortable mid-table position with an unbeaten five-game run.