Eddie Howe expects Newcastle to be finished for business heading into the final two days of the January transfer window, admitting there is “very little time for us to do anything.”
He’s hopeful Alexander Isak’s groin problem “doesn’t look too serious” after he was forced off in last night’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, but is unsure if we’ll be able to sign anyone even if the Swede is sidelined.
It seems we can only bring someone in if we let someone go and it seems time is running out ahead of Thursday’s 11pm deadline, with the boss confirming that Miguel Almiron looks set to stay now the Saudi window has closed.
“I expect to be finished for the window. I think there’s very little time left to do anything, either in or out. So that’s where it’s at,” he said.
“First of all, we need to assess the injury and see where Callum is as well. But I don’t think we have the ability to do anything. I don’t think we have the ability to do that (sign someone).”
“I’d like to say that way my decision but that was Alex’s decision. He said he had to come off, so we’re hopeful it’s not a serious injury. It doesn’t look too bad but it’s very early to say that, we need a proper diagnosis and then assess where we are.”
As about Miggy’s future, Howe added: “I’m confident that he (Almiron) will stay now, and I’m delighted because he’s such an important player.
“What a person and professional he is. He’s had a lot of speculation that’s come from the media, but it’s not affected him at all.
“He didn’t feel anywhere his best physically today, but he put himself on the pitch for the team and performed really well.”
