Eddie Howe has provided an update on injuries ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth. Several key players have been absent in recent weeks and supporters were hoping a break in top-flight action last weekend would allow the treatment table to clear up.
A full-strength Newcastle United would head into the contest as favourites but, as Crystal Palace showed, the Magpies’ attack can be blunted when key players are missing. United have looked wasteful in front of goal with their big hitters and supporters are desperate to see them return.
This is the current state of play regarding injuries after Howe’s pre-match press conference.
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Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazilian has not featured since tweaking his hamstring against Tranmere Rovers. Substituting Guimaraes on despite winning 2-1 was a risk that backfired and Newcastle have paid for it since.
Unfortunately, Howe stayed coy on his comeback but the 24-year-old is expected to return soon. There were hopes that Guimaraes could return last week against West Ham United so he could have a chance against Bournemouth.
“Everyone’s improved,” Howe told the media. “But I’ll leave my team news until we get it. It’s been a slightly difficult period but we’re hopefully coming out of it. They’re big players for us - we need them back quickly.”
Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey suffered a hamstring injury against Benfica in pre-season but Howe confirmed he is nearing a return. Having the midfielder back would allow Guimaraes - who deputised in the deeper role during Shelvey’s absence - to play further forward.
The Toon boss revealed his midfield general is back on the training pitch after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Howe said: “Jonjo is making good progress. He's out on the grass running and he's looking good.
“He's in a really good physical condition. He's looking after himself so hopefully it won't be too long.”
Allan Saint-Maximin
Reports in midweek suggested the winger remained a doubt for Bournemouth. Saint-Maximin has been missing since his stunning last-minute equaliser against Wolves at the back end of August.
Howe’s ambiguity at his press conference hints at one of his star men possibly returning to the side. Whether that player is Saint-Maximin remains to be seen.
Karl Darlow
Newcastle were forced to enter the free transfer market when Darlow picked up an injury in training. Attentions were initially fixed on Ben Foster but the former Manchester United man had doubts and subsequently announced his retirement.
Loris Karius is the man who saved the day and Howe has provided an update on the goalkeeping situation. Darlow is expected to be ruled out for six to eight weeks.
“It was strange,” the Magpies' boss said. “It was just a normal shot action and he twisted his ankle.
“We decided it was wise to get someone to compliment our keepers and Loris was the outstanding candidate from a small pool.”
Callum Wilson
Like Saint-Maximin and Guimaraes, Howe was also referring to Wilson when discussing “big players” returning. Newcastle’s number nine scored against Manchester City but was hooked after 69 minutes and has been missing since.
His injury forced the Magpies to break their transfer record on Alexander Isak. When Wilson returns, it will be interesting to see Howe’s plan to fit them in the same side.
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