Newcastle United have recalled Mike Williamson following a loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers after Jamaal Lascelles suffered a minor injury against Crystal Palace.

The 32-year-old will return to St. James’ Park where he has featured in just two League Cup games for the Magpies, before he was shipped out to the Championship side.

Lascelles, 22, suffered the injury during Saturday’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, which sees the Tyneside club sit just one place off the bottom of the Premier League, where they have conceded eight goals in their last two games.

The time is ticking for Steve McClaren

The defeat has heaped more pressure on Steve McClaren and the backroom staff, whilst a win on Sunday against an in-form Liverpool side will surely boost the 54-year-old's chances of staying at the Premier League club a little longer.

Following his sacking at Spanish side Real Sociedad, David Moyes told BBC Radio 5 Live that he’d return immediately, but only for the ‘right job’, whilst remaining ‘open minded’.

Gouffran heading for the exit

French team LOSC Lille are also said to be interested in the out-of-favour Yoan Gouffran, who Newcastle will be willing to let go come January.

The Frenchman came on as a substitute in Saturday’s defeat, albeit in centre-midfield. Wolves and Charlton were interested in the former-Bordeaux forward in summer, but the 29-year-old wanted to fight for his place in the Newcastle squad.

Magpies under criticism

Crystal Palace’s first-team coach, John Solako also criticised the Newcastle side, admitting the Eagles were “allowed to walk all over” their opponents.

The question remains, is it time for McClaren to leave? Just what is wrong at Newcastle? Fans have been calling for Mike Ashley’s head for a number of years now, but does their management need to go too?

Realistically, who can Newcastle replace McClaren with should he leave? Patrick Vieira has been linked with his first managerial role in the past, whilst Moyes is available should the right opportunity came up.

With the festive period approaching, Newcastle need to act now. Allow McClaren to spend money in January, with the risk of being sacked mid-February, or sack him now and allow his replacement to build a squad.

The jury is out, but McClaren won’t be at Newcastle for much longer.