Eddie Howe explains the real reason why Will Osula did not play in Newcastle United’s last two games
James Rutherford
4 – 5 minutes
Will Osula is yet to feature for Newcastle United in 2025.
While Newcastle United have recorded two famous wins since the start of the new year, Will Osula is yet to play a single minute. He was an unused substitute for the Magpies’ away wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
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That is despite the fact that Alexander Isak came off in both of those games, while Osula was the only reserve striker that Eddie Howe had available.
However, the Newcastle United manager opted to play Joe Willock up front in the second half against Tottenham. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon played centrally away to Arsenal in the second half before Howe eventually chose to play without a striker.
His decision paid off, as Newcastle United held on for two incredible victories as they extended their run to seven consecutive wins.
Why Eddie Howe has not played Will Osula
Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe speaks to the media at the Newcastle United Press Conference in the lead up to the FA Cup third round at the…
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Howe has now explained why he opted not to play Osula in those games, despite him being the only backup striker available.
The Toon boss spoke to the media on Friday ahead of facing Bromley in the FA Cup, and was asked about the possibility of Osula starting against the League Two side at St James’ Park.
“We could [see Osula start against Bromley],” he said.
“All options are available to me. I’ve got to make the right decision. Will is continuing to develop.
“It’s been difficult the last few games because I’ve had to make decisions in running in a couple of situations. Against Tottenham we were winning and I decided to put a midfielder in Alex’s position when Alex was fatigued and had to come off. That’s because we were protecting the lead and I wanted someone with real experience who could manage the game for us.
“It was very similar the other night against Arsenal where, in a different phase of the game, I felt I needed real experience to help us navigate those last few minutes on the pitch.
“But Will is, on the other side, developing really well and if we need a goal then the decision would be very different.
“In training we’ve had a few 11-v-11 games and he’s looked really sharp, scored goals.
“If he is involved this weekend I would expect him to play well.”
Osula set for Newcastle United chance in the FA Cup
The fact that Howe opted not to bring Osula on against Tottenham or Arsenal highlights the fact that the £10million man does not fully have the manager’s trust yet.
There is no shame in that, as he is still in his first season as a Newcastle United player.
Osula is still learning, and will get the chance to showcase his development on Sunday.
Eddie Howe has said Alexander Isak will miss Newcastle’s game against Bromley, which means there will be a change up front.
In fact, wholesale changes to the Toon lineup are expected, which will hopefully result in Osula getting just his second ever start for the Magpies. He is part of our predicted Newcastle XI to face Bromley.
While he was not trusted in high pressure situations against Tottenham and Arsenal, this is different. This is an FA Cup third round tie at home to a League Two side, and it would be very worrying if Osula was not trusted to feature.
The club still have high hopes for Osula, and Howe is expecting a big performance on Sunday – if he decides to pick the Danish youngster.
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