Eddie Howe has confirmed that his Newcastle United squad is ‘stretched’ heading into Sunday’s clash with Chelsea.
Speaking to the press just moments ago, Howe confirmed that Joelinton (who pulled out of the warm up on Monday) and Javier Manquillo ‘will miss the game’, with Nick Pope also ruled out after undergoing surgery on his hand.
Elsewhere, Joe Willock will sit this one out with a hamstring injury picked up in our 4-1 win over Brighton, while Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie will also be absent after suffering season-ending knocks earlier this month.
Emil Krafth isn’t ready to return just yet after stepping up his comeback from an ACL injury and Ryan Fraser remains out of contention after being sent to train with the U21s.
Here’s what Howe’s had to say when asked for an injury update this morning:
“I don’t think we’ve got anyone left to rest! The end of the season has come at a good time for us because we would have been really stretched.
“Joelinton and Manquillo will miss the game and we also have the other injuries.
“Nick (Pope) has played through various finger dislocations this year, so we were hoping to get the operation done to clear up the issue for his own benefit and get him ready for next season.
“We’re stretched but it will give us the chance to have a look at one or two other things.”
Howe also added this on Monday’s celebrations, insisting he’s already started planning for the 2023/24 season:
“I’m feeling good. It’s an incredible achievement and I’m so pleased we were able to do it in front of our supporters.”
It’s been a hectic few days. For me, it’s onto planning and preparing for next season straight away.
“A lot of work going on behind the scenes. A lot of our success next year will be down to what I do now.’
