Eddie Howe Press Conference: Newcastle United vs Bournemouth

Ahead of Newcastle United’s meeting with Bournemouth, Eddie Howe spoke to the media providing updates on injuries, squad rotation and the January transfer window.

Team News & Injury Updates

Fabian Schar: his ankle injury is not as bad as first feared, there is no break, but he has suffered ligament damage. No date yet for his return but it should be this season.

Dan Burn: progressing well and in training but still not ready to return.

Jammal Lascelles: recovered from his injury but not yet physically able to train.

Other than Emile Krafth and Will Osula there are no other injuries to report.

Team News: Eddie understands the importance of the FA Cup but also acknowledged that he needs to make use of the squad due to the hectic run of games. That implies there will be changes from the team that started against Leeds.

Form & Performance

With three consecutive wins in the Premier League, Howe was adamant that he and the team now need to fully focus on the FA Cup game against Bournemouth.

In contrast to the Carabou Cup, the FA Cup is not a competition that Newcastle have done well in under his management. Eddie wants to put that right and he said that whatever team he plays he is determined to get a win and progress to the next round.

On the Leeds performance: Eddie Howe felt that a big part of the victory was down to Newcastle being the stronger and fitter team in the later stages of the game. He praised the performance and medical team for their roles in maintaining those high levels.

Key Points from Eddie Howe’s Press Conference

Eddie Howe made some interesting comments on players and the transfer window.

• Sandro Tonali: Eddie was asked how he felt about the dip in Tonali's form. He was vague in his answer and instead pointed out that personal situations, like Tonali recently becoming a father for the first time, can have an impact on mentality and performance, However, Eddie believes that can have a positive effect and said that he always tries to understand and support any personal issues that players might have.

• Malik Thiaw: Howe was asked about his withdrawal at half time against Leeds. Eddie praised Thiaw as having been outstanding throughout the season and said that it was an unfortunate slip that led to Leeds opening goal. Thiaw, having already received a booking, was taken off at half time to protect him from a sending off.

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• Lews Miley: Eddie thought he was magnificent when he switched to centre back after Fabian Schar's injury - pointing out that he won several one on one duels with Leeds strikers. In a surprising comment, Howe said Miley has been trained at centre back and that he actually had more confidence playing him that position than he did at right back. However, midfield is where Eddie believes is his likely best position.

  
  

• January transfer plans: Howe was asked if the injury to Schar would force Newcastle to look at signing players and bringing back Matt Targett from his loan at Middlesbrough. Eddie said that they first need to look in more depth at the injury situation and that all options would be considered if and when necessary.

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