The Magpies go into their latest test with doubts hovering over a number of players meaning selection won't be straight-forward
Newcastle players in training ahead of their Champions League clash
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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says the Magpies are dealing with a major bout of illness in the squad ahead of the clash with Athletic Bilbao.
Howe must make a call on Bruno Guimaraes who trained in isolation after becoming the latest member the Toon roster to be hit with illness. Kieran Trippier is also touch and go despite being involved in the preparations for the encounter with the La Liga side.
Bruno, Sandro Tonali, Trippier and Jacob Murphy have all been affected with Howe trying to shield his squad going into the game.
Speaking at his Press conference ahead of the clash with the La Liga side, Howe said: "Various players have picked something up. Sandro initially, Jacob Murphy, Kieran and now Bruno. We will make a decision on Bruno tomorrow."
Howe hooked both Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon at half-time of the 3-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday. Expanding on those decisions, Howe said: "With Nick we have thrust him into every single game near enough, and he looked a little bit fatigued so it was a decision to benefit Nick and the team going forward.
"With Anthony, he has played very well in the Champions League but he hasn't played quite as well in the Premier League and that is now his challenge."
In contrast to their league form, Newcastle are going well in the cup competitions. The clash with Athletic could see United move on to nine Champions League points and closer to automatic qualification.
Howe said: "Whenever you deliver a performance like that it is never one-dimensional.
"It's a really important game for us as we know what we have ahead in the Champions League. Athletic Club will be stiff opposition. Defensively, they are really well organised, and they have delivered some strong performances this year. But Champions League nights here are always special.
"We are right in the midst of a run of games that are hugely enjoyable and hugely challenging. We are hugely disappointed with our inconsistency in the Premier League.
"Results-wise, our recent run has been pretty strong, but because we have so many competitions, we haven't strung them together in the Premier League.
"I think man-management is very important, regardless of when you are winning and losing. We try to be very active with all the players on all scenarios and I talk to the majority of the players about what is expected of them ahead of the next game."
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