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Howe offers update on 6 Newcastle players - One back, two fit, three out vs Southampton?

by Olly Hawkins · 24 January 2025, 10:01
Howe offers update on 6 Newcastle players - One back, two fit, three out vs Southampton?

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, discussing injuries and availability ahead of tomorrow's trip to Southampton.

The boss also admitted that the team's planned flight to Southampton today could be put back until the morning because of Storm Eowyn, with blustery conditions also impacting training plans.

However, onto the latest on fitness and availability, there's some good news to share.

Pope boost, Wilson latest

Eddie Howe confirmed that Nick Pope has been back in training this week after recovering from a knee injury that's kept him out since last month's 4-2 defeat at Brentford.

The boss says there is "a chance" he's back in the squad at Southampton and is "delighted" to have his No.1 fit again, praising his presence and positivity within the group.

Howe on Pope - "There's a chance he'll be in the squad. He's started training with the group again and it's great to see Nick back and his presence, the positivity that he brings. I've seen him do some really good things this week, so yeah, delighted to have him back in the mix."


Tomorrow will be "too early" for Callum Wilson (hamstring), however. The striker is making "good progress", but he's been pencilled in for early February, suggesting he'll miss upcomings games against Southampton and Fulham.
Howe on Wilson - "Yeah, it's too early for Callum [this weekend]. Callum's still on track for returning right at the beginning of February.
"He's making good progress. We're trying to do the right things with him to make sure that he is robust enough and has all the work behind him and the load behind him before he starts training with the group. But he seems very positive - what a massive player that would be to welcome back."



Also ruled out are Harvey Barnes (thigh) and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL), with the latter expected to be missing until March.

Schar and Botman update

Sven Botman was withdrawn at half-time in last Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth, while Fabian Schar had been struggling with illness.

This morning, Howe confirmed that Botman has been given a period of rest after struggling slightly with fatigue, allowing him to be back to 100% for this weekend's trip to St. Mary's.

As for Schar, the boss revealed that the Swiss centre-back is fully recovered from illness and that "nasty cough" that kept him out of last week's 3-0 win over Wolves.

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