Eddie Howe has provided an injury update for some of his Newcastle players following Tuesday’s humiliating defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle has struggled with an extensive injury list all season, and that does not appear to be changing as the new year approaches.
Howe was candid in his post-game interview, admitting that no players are anticipated to return to the team anytime soon and that he believes the solution to turning around their form already exists inside the group.
Newcastle requires additional options as the new year approaches.
With defeats to Luton Town and Nottingham Forest in the last two games, it appears that sticking with the same team and style for the next two games against Liverpool and Manchester City will lead to the same conclusion.
Newcastle and Howe are looking for some rotation alternatives, such as Joe Willock or Harvey Barnes, who can inject some energy into the side and be a little more direct when the squad is trying to break down a defense.
Willock missed the first few games of the season due to a hamstring injury and is currently recovering from an Achilles tendon problem, so it’s unclear when the 24-year-old will return.
Barnes, meanwhile, has been out since injuring his foot in the 8-0 win over Sheffield United and might be sidelined for several weeks.
“My gut feeling is that the answer always lies within,” Howe remarked in an interview. The players and personnel we have here are adequate. I don’t think anyone will be returning in the next few days due to the injuries we’ve sustained. We still have players who are getting in shape from other games. We haven’t had it easy, and I believe that is the most important thing for me to acknowledge.”
