Ahead of their Premier League clash with Luton, assistant coach Jason Tindall offered a rare glimpse of hope amid an ongoing injury crisis, discussing the potential for key players to return.
Tindall, who took charge of the press conference as Eddie Howe is ill, gave an update on the boss’ condition.
“He’s a little under the weather,” Tindall said.
“We expect him to be there tomorrow. For all the years I’ve worked with him, he’s been under the weather a few times but he’s always been there to lead the team.”
Now that Howe has been added to the seemingly endless injury list, Tindall also provided a bit of hope that we would be seeing more of the squad in coming weeks.
Isak went off injured before half-time in the game at Villa Park, but Tindall has said the Swedish striker has “improved” and could be involved against Luton.
“He’s a lot better. He’s improved. Wednesday, Thursday and today there’s an improvement,” Tindall said.
“We’ll have to assess him after today. He’s got a chance to be involved tomorrow.”
Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson and Joe Willock are among the closest to return from mid-to-long term injuries with Tindall offering a positive update on the trio.
“There’s a potential. A couple of lads are getting closer,” he said.
“It’s certainly getting a better than it was a few weeks ago.
“Barnes, Wilson, Willock are pretty close. Whether they’ll be fit enough for tomorrow, we’ll have to make that decision between now and the game. Harvey is a little bit ahead of Joe.”
Barnes has not featured for Newcastle since the 8-0 demolition of Sheffield United back in September.
The 26-year-old has one goal and one assist in six matches for the Toon after making his £35m move to Tyneside from relegated Leicester in the summer.
