Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning in his final press conference before Christmas.

This follows our 4-0 win over Ipswich on Saturday and comes ahead of our Boxing Day clash with Aston Villa at St James’ Park, which will be followed by a trip to Man Utd on Monday 30th December.

Here’s the latest from Howe, who issued an update on the fitness and availability of five Newcastle players:

Some positive news on the injury front

Howe confirmed that Joe Willock is “fine”, revealing it was a bang to head that forced him off at Ipswich over the weekend.

The boss “hopes” Joelinton is okay after facial injuries suffered in our 3-1 win over Brentford last week. He’s back from suspension and should be fine to face Villa.

Sven Botman is “closer” to returning for the first-team, with Howe revealing that the big Dutchman took part in practice match over the weekend.

For Nick Pope there is “no definitive date” for his return, but he’s “doing okay” after having a couple of injections on a knee injury that was initially expected to keep him out until mid-to-late January.

Last but not least, Emil Krafth is back running but needs “contact” training to help him step up his recovery from a collarbone injury.

Howe’s quotes this morning

Speaking to the media this morning, Howe had this to say when discussing a few players’ injury situation heading into the Aston Villa match on Thursday:

“Joe [Willock] is fine. To keep Joe fit for a sustained spell is now really important for him to get back to his very best level – it will take him a period of games.

“Nick [Pope] is doing okay, he has had a couple of injections in his knee, quite when he will be fit it is still difficult to give a definitive date.

”We will have a look at him (Joelinton) today. He had various facial injuries after the last home game against Brentford in which he came off. A couple of stitches in and around his ear so we will see how he is today.”

“Emil is working well after undergoing operation on collar bone/shoulder injury. He’s back on the grass and running. The big thing for him will be contact when introduced back into group training.”