Your Newcastle United headlines for Tuesday, February 21.
No Pope appeal
Eddie Howe says that the club opted against appealing Nick Pope's red card against Liverpool as they didn't want to waste any time during the build-up to the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
He said: "No, we didn’t appeal. As much as I felt sorry for Nick, and felt that the red card was really harsh for what he did, abiding by the rules, we didn’t think it worth appealing."
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Injury updates
Joelinton will be fit and ready to play against Manchester United this Sunday. However, Joe Willock faces a race against time to be included in the Wembley showpiece.
READ MORE: Sir John Hall hints Newcastle may now have stadium solution and special guests to watch final
Joelinton went down clutching his hamstring during the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the weekend but was pleading with Howe to keep him on the pitch at St James' Park. The Brazilian was withdrawn for Matt Ritchie and shared words with the Newcastle coach before taking his place on the bench.
Willock limped off during the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth earlier this month and missed the defeat to Liverpool with the same hamstring issue. The attacking midfielder remains a doubt ahead of Newcastle's trip to the capital this weekend.
Howe said: "We think Joelinton is OK from the weekend - there's still a long time to go before the game," Howe told reporters on Tuesday. "Joe Willock will be in a race to be fit but we're hopeful."
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Benitez on potential Toon win
Rafa Benitez believes Newcastle will need a public holiday if they lift the Carabao Cup this weekend. The much-loved ex-Toon chief was back on Tyneside for the first time since he left the club under Mike Ashley on Saturday night and enjoyed a great reception at St James' Park as he turned up for Sky Sports punditry duty.
Benitez told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "When we won the Championship and were promoted it was massive.
"In the last game of the Premier League in the first year, we played Tottenham who were playing for second position. We had 10 players because of a sending-off and we beat them 5-1.
"The fans were so happy and it was the main reason why I decided to stay, because I could feel the passion of the city behind the team. They are so happy now where they are, but if they win it will be impossible to go there because there will be parties everywhere!"
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Elliot predicts lull
Rob Elliot has warned a time may come when Newcastle hit a lull in their push for European football and doesn't want to get too carried away.
"At some point there's going to be a bit of a reality hit and I really hope there isn't because I want to see the club keep doing well, they're obviously in the cup final.
"I don't want to get carried away about it. I think they've got a good chance (of Europe). They might not win the League Cup but the fact they're in the final, all the pressure is off Newcastle and it's just a great day out. Hopefully the players can go and achieve something, but regardless, they've still achieved getting to a final so it's all positive in my eyes."
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Double interview
Didi Hamann and Nobby Solano have lifted the lid on the chaotic scenes at half-time the last time Newcastle United played at Wembley in a major final against Manchester United.
It was during the interval that under-fire Ruud Gullit ended up in a row with Nobby Solano after hooking the player for the second half in the FA Cup final and sending him for an early shower - only tell him to get his kit back on after Hamann indicated he could no longer continue. But Hamann has now explained that he was injured by his OWN player during he first half against the Red Devils.
To read the double interview, click here.
READ MORE
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