Welcome to Chronicle Live’s coverage of Eddie Howe’s pre-match press conference from Newcastle United’s Benton base. The club’s injury list appears to be lengthening by the day, with no guesses as to what the gaffer will be asked from the off on Friday morning.
It has been a bruising week for the Magpies, who have lost Lewis Hall for the remainder of the season, Sven Botman for a number of weeks, and have minor concerns over tired stars such as Alexander Isak and Tino Livramento.
One eye is already focusing on Wembley and the Carabao Cup final with Liverpool but before that there is the small matter of West Ham United away from home.
Stick with us right here as we bring you everything Howe has to got to say in the build-up to Monday’s Premier League clash in the capital.
How did Botman’s issue occur?
“This has come actually from a knock in one of his first games back. He didn’t view it as a big issue but I think there’s, without going into too much technically, he just needs a really small operation just to clear out some fluid.
Then he’ll be fine again.”Sven Botman latest
We’ve been trying to get him back to full fitness and he was actually very close for the Brighton game, just the day before one of the last actions in training, he felt the same problem in his knee.
So that meant, again, just a sort of a resetting but we still hoped that he could come back. But then this week again he’s got the same discomfort so looks like he’ll now have to have an operation.
When did the injury occur?
It was from the game [Liverpool away] but I I don’t necessarily think it was in that game.
I think there was a slight build upon speaking to Lewis afterwards and trying to find out the sort of timeline of the injury – but that was the game where I think the feeling in his ankle had just got to the point where it needed investigating.
He played very well in the game, but he just had a bit of stiffness and swelling afterwards. So we investigated and obviously it’s landed at this point.
First up – Lewis Hall
The left-back is out for the remainder of the season with a foot issue:
Yeah, really disappointing for us. I’m devastated for him actually because he had so much to look forward to at this moment of the season with the cup final – which will be a big thing for all the players at the moment.
Also the international experience coming up, and he was just in really good form as well and playing very well, so yeah, that’s a big blow for him and for us.
The most important thing now is his recovery and making sure he comes back as good as he can.
Eddie Howe on the past week:
“It has been one of those weeks that challenges you, in the job that I am in, you need to have a level head, clear thinking and put it into perspective. We still have a very strong squad, a very strong team.
We are going to miss the players that we are going to lose, and that’s a big disappointment, but it is always someone else’s opportunity, and we have to look at it that way.”
Eddie Howe on Joelinton being called up to the Brazil squad:
“Huge news for him, delighted for Joe. He is such a passionate guy, one of highs of Sunday was to see him returning to his best way, running, chasing, winning balls, being a real enforcer for us in that midfield. It is testament to his character that he is back in the Brazil squad.”
On the agenda
The main talking points for Eddie Howe this morning:
• Sven Botman latest
• Lewis Hall update and injury cause
• The trip to West Ham
• Alexander Isak, Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier fitness
• Dubravka or Pope?
• One eye on Wembley
• NUFC finances released this week
