Eddie Howe, the head coach of Newcastle United, has provided updates on several key players ahead of their upcoming match against Burnley. After the recent match against Manchester United, Howe discussed the fitness of his squad during a media briefing held at Old Trafford.
Player Fitness Updates
The news about Nick Pope is particularly notable. The former Burnley goalkeeper returned to the squad after a month-long absence due to a groin injury. However, Howe revealed that Pope felt ill right before the match on Boxing Day and had limited training leading up to the event.
Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier’s Status
- Both Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier are currently unavailable for selection.
- Howe expressed uncertainty about their return, indicating that the squad’s defensive options are heavily impacted.
- He emphasized the need to rotate players due to a demanding schedule in January.
Howe commented, “Our backline’s been really stretched. We need fresh players fit and available, especially with the tough fixtures ahead.”
Focus on Yoane Wissa and Sam Alabi
When discussing Yoane Wissa, Howe mentioned the importance of managing the player’s fitness. Wissa has recently started to return to full fitness but may not be ready for consistent starting roles in the upcoming matches.
Additionally, teenager Sam Alabi has been impressing during training. Howe noted that Alabi has shown great talent and attitude, hinting at a bright future for the young player if he continues to develop.
Team Intensity and Performance
Howe remarked on the current levels of intensity from his squad amidst a congested fixture schedule. He acknowledged variations in performance but uplifted the team’s first-half display against Chelsea as a standout moment.
“We look back at that Chelsea first half; it was probably the most intense performance I’ve ever seen from us,” he said. However, he acknowledged that maintaining intensity can be challenging with games every few days.
Looking Ahead to Burnley
Newcastle faces a significant challenge as they prepare to visit Burnley. Howe, who managed Burnley in the past, understands the difficulty of visiting Turf Moor. He emphasized the need for his team to deliver a positive result to energize their supporters.
“We need to start feeling better about ourselves on the road and give our fans something to cheer about,” Howe concluded.
