Eddie Howe has confirmed that Callum Wilson has “improved” after missing our Boxing Day trip to Leicester, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be ready to return against Leeds tomorrow.
Speaking in his press conference today, the boss revealed that Wilson was back in training yesterday and is “in a better place” after recovering from another period of illness.
Elsewhere, Jonjo Shelvey, Emil Krafth and Alexander Isak have all been ruled out of the game – although the latter is “very close” to resuming first-team training – with Howe adding that we picked up a “couple of other niggles” during that 3-0 win over the Foxes.
He then talked up the “extreme” energy the St James’ Park crowd gives his players, believing we’ll need all of that tomorrow against a physical and fast-paced Leeds side.
The boss also discussed Shelvey’s response to a calf injury set to keep him out for another eight weeks, our lofty league position and imperious form in 2022. Here’s what Howe had to say on all of the above:
Eddie Howe on Callum Wilson and other injuries heading into Leeds:
“Callum has improved. He trained with us yesterday so he’s in a better place.”
“We’ll see how he goes today.
“We’re without Jonjo, Emil Krafth and there’s a couple of other niggles within the squad from Leicester but hopefully we get the majority of the players training today.”
Howe on Jonjo Shelvey:
“Jonjo is disappointed. He’s a passionate guy. He lives for football. He lives for that feeling of playing…I had a good chat with him yesterday.
“He’s a lot more positive about the future and really focusing on his rehab.”
Howe on Newcastle’s lofty position in the Premier League table:
“It’s certainly better than the other end, I can tell you that!
“It’s different. I have been at the top of other leagues so I’m used to pressures & challenges.
“We have to be very focused & concentrated on the delivery of our training sessions.”
Howe on the St James’ Park atmosphere and our home form in 2022:
“The atmosphere, the energy the crowd gives us is extreme. When you get that force with you, you want to embrace it. So hopefully our style is doing that!”
“We wanted to change our style of play, to involve the crowd in the game, because they’re such a powerful force.
“We wanted to play at a really high tempo, to get that engagement and positivity as they’re like an extra man.
Howe on the test Leeds will pose:
“From a physical perspective, it will be two teams that give their all.
“I’ve watched a lot of Leeds in preparation for this game and I’ve been impressed by them.
“We anticipate a very fast paced game between two good teams.”
