Newcastle will be without EIGHT first-team players for tonight’s trip to Old Trafford – but Joe Willock is in contention to make his first start for six months.
Alexander Isak (groin), Jacob Murphy (dislocated shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Sven Botman (knee), Sandro Tonali (suspension) Lewis Miley (glandular fever), Harvey Barnes (foot) and Javier Manquillo (groin) have all been ruled out.
However, Willock is close to full fitness after cameos in each of our last two games and Emil Krafth is “in a good place” after training well, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall also available should Howe go with a similar side to the one that beat Man City in the last round. Others options include Matt Targett, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie and Martin Dubravka.
Howe admits he’ll be “juggling minutes” ahead of three games in seven days against Man Utd, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, calling on every player to “step up” and “give a bit more” as he plans to utilise his squad, where possible.
Here’s what he’s had to say on all of the above, hinting at rotation and revealing the latest on injuries:
Howe on his rotation plans:
“Everyone has to step up. Everyone has to give a bit more. In the next few games, we’ll be juggling minutes and making sure we remain very competitive. When players enter the pitch, they must be able to give their best.
“In this next game (Man Utd), it’ll be a juggling act for us. But we do have the players who can play in different position – it’s a strength of our squad – so we’re certainly going to utilise that.”
“I think we’ve had several discussions this week, it’s not been clear. Sometimes your team is really clear, and tactically how you are going to go.
“This one has been slightly more difficult because we don’t know what they’re going to do either. Both teams will be unsure on each other’s line-up but the fundamentals and principles of our play have to be there.
“We have to be a Newcastle team and show up in a way we have become accustomed to. As long as we see that, we’ll take what the game gives you.
Howe on Botman, Isak and other injury issues:
“There’s an issue there. We are working through various options to try and diagnose the injury properly.
“Does he fall into the longer-term category? Yeah, perhaps. But we’re awaiting clarity.
“Alex Isak we hope will be back after the international break. Javier (Manquillo) has a groin problem.
“For this game I don’t think we are expecting anybody to be available that wasn’t available against Wolves.
“The majority are longer term unfortunately for us but that’s the position we are in. So we are going to go with a similar squad (to Wolves).”
Howe on Emil Krafth:
“Really good to see him back. I think he’s had a really good period of work. He looks really good at the moment.
“He’s worked incredibly hard with physios and he’s done everything that we have asked of him. He is in a good place.”
Howe on Willock and Joelinton:
“I think he (Willock) is getting closer, those two appearances have been really good for him.
“I think he’s done really well, he’s a huge player for us. As I’ve said previously, Joelinton is beginning to find his rhythm again after his period of time out.
“There are positives in amongst a couple of negatives we’ve had. I think you’re always going to have that in the season we’re currently facing, the risk of injuries is higher with the amount of games we have.
“That is where the power of the group has to show, everyone has to step up.”
Howe when asked if Jacob Murphy needs surgery on his shoulder:
“No, not definitely. That’s something we’re talking about with our medical team to see what the next steps are for him.”
