**Newcastle United are hoping to bounce back from their worst performance under Eddie Howe on Wednesday when Athletic Bilbao come to St James' Park for a Champions League match live on TNT Sports. Kick-off is at 8pm.**
So far this season, Eddie Howe's lads have not struggled to motivate themselves to put in strong performances in Europe, which has led to Newcastle resting in the top eight of the league, which would see them automatically qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
While things got off to a bumpy start, losing at home to Barcelona in the opening game, Newcastle still put in a good shift against the Spanish giants in a game that few had expected them to win in the first place.
Since then, there have been convincing wins against Union Saint-Gillioise and Benfica, with Athletic Bilbao next up.
Nico Williams look likely to miss out
Nico Williams did not train on Monday, suggesting he will not be fit to play on Wednesday
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The Magpies look set to be handed a huge boost ahead of tomorrow's game with Spain superstar Nico Williams looking increasingly likely to miss out through injury.
Williams has been one of the most coveted wingers in recent seasons, but Athletic Club have somehow managed to retain his services despite strong interest from Barcelona, who struggled to stump up the money to finalise a deal for the 23-year-old.
Injuries have played their part in keeping Williams from hitting the dizzy heights his raw talent suggests he's capable of, and now [Onda Cero](https://www.ondacero.es/deportes/futbol/nico-williams-entrena-sus-companeros-vispera-viajar-newcastle_202511036908942696fd1d323b07faee.html) are reporting that he has missed training on Monday, casting doubt over his availability for tomorrow.
Athletic Bilbao are not a one-man team
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Of course, if Newcastle play like they did on Sunday, then an injured Nico Williams could defeat them on his own.
Athletic aren't without quality players beyond Nico Williams, though, so just because he may miss out, it doesn't mean things will be a walk in the park for Newcastle.
It's hard to get too excited for this one after Sunday's performance, though. Still, there's plenty of time to get hyped.