Eddie Howe has reacted to last night’s 1-0 win over Wimbledon and commented on injury concerns over Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka and Fabian Schar.
Pope missed out due to “a bit of swelling on his knee”, but Howe is “hopeful” he will be fine to face Everton on Saturday. Dubravka replaced our No.1 on the night, although he was forced off at the break after a “nasty bang” to his knee which will be assessed today.
As for for Schar, our match-winner fell awkwardly on his ankle in the second half and was replaced by Dan Burn with a few minutes to spare. Howe admitted he’s had a “couple of issues”, but sounded hopeful he’d also be fine for this weekend’s trip to Merseyside.
On the game itself, Howe admitted he was “disappointed we couldn’t put on more of a show”, feeling we were “a bit slow on lethargic” on the ball as we struggled to break down their low block.
Howe on injuries – “I think we’re OK. Martin Dubravka’s taken a nasty bang to his knee, we hope he’s all right but we’ll see how he settles down tomorrow. Hopefully no major injuries from the game.”
“Fabian had a couple of issues, his ankle and other things but hopefully he’ll be all right and it’s not serious.”
“We don’t think (Pope’s injury) is serious. It’s just a bit of swelling on his knee. We’re hopeful he will be fit for Everton on Saturday.”
Howe on our 1-0 win over Wimbledon – “The performance wasn’t where we wanted it to be. This was always potentially a difficult game. Credit to Wimbledon, who defended as we thought they would – very deep, low and narrow. On the ball, we were a bit slow and lethargic.”
“I’m just disappointed we couldn’t put on more of a show, an attacking show. Certainly that was our intention – to attack and create chances and entertain. It didn’t turn out to be that kind of game and I apologise for that.”
The boss' thoughts on this evening's win over AFC Wimbledon at St. James' Park 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/i6gK1bBsOd
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 1, 2024
Gotta drop Miggy then Eddie. He’s not good enough & you know that.
I’d rather have seen Sanusi get a run out. I’d rather have seen Harrison instead of Longstaff. I’d sooner have seen one or 2 of the young defenders come in & have the seniors on the bench.
Sharpy17(Quote)