Premier League football finally returns this weekend, meaning Eddie Howe has been back facing the media in a pre-match press conference this morning.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s 12.30pm clash away to Aston Villa, the boss has offered updates on one injured Mag, a certain Alexander Isak and the hopes of two new signings featuring at Villa Park.
New centre-back Malick Thiaw will be in the matchday squad after training with his new teammates over the past two days since sealing a £34m move from AC Milan.
It will come too soon for soon-to-be signing Jacob Ramsey, however, who is still completing the final stages of his medical and set to miss today’s 12pm deadline to register a place in time.
Joe Willock is still sidelined after picking up a pre-season injury in South Korea, but he “isn’t too far away”, despite initial fears he’d miss another month.
Last but not least, Howe confirms that Alexander Isak will NOT be in the squad and was never in with a shout of making it – despite his wishes to have the Swede involved.
See what Howe had to say on much of the above via the quotes below:
Howe on Isak – “Alex’s situation has been unchanged for a while, and that will continue to be the case.”
How on Isak bids – “No, there has been no change, all my focus has been on training and Villa and the transfer front.”
Well that’s pretty obvious yes Villa have parted ways with Ramsey but there’s no way that they would have let him go in time to play against Villa this week end, that’s just how it goes. Newcastle have a very good player in Ramsey albeit he is inconsistent as you will find out but something that Eddie Howe can work on.
Colin(Quote)
Why does Willock keep getting mentioned, he is not worth the ink, softest footballer ever, slightest physical contact and he’s out for at least six weeks.
Give me Longstaff any day of the week.
Joseph(Quote)
Why to give u something to whine about y’silly ‘Ickle plum. Fancy a cyber plum calling a professional athlete soft🤣🤣
GR(Quote)
Will Eddie attack or defend against Villa, if he attacks he could try:- Murphy on the right, Elanga and Gordon up front and Barnes on the left. A point would be a good result tomorrow.
Peter Beaumont(Quote)