Joe Buck reacts as Eddie Howe previews Newcastle United v Athletic Club
Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe still expects a very tough game against Athletic Club, despite the La Liga side being without key man Nico Williams through injury.
Athletic Club have arrived in Newcastle ahead of their Champions League clash at St James’ Park - but they will be without star man Nico Williams.
The Spanish international has not travelled with his teammates to England after feeling the effects of a groin injury. Williams did feature at the weekend during their defeat to Real Sociedad, but was only deemed fit enough to start on the bench in that match.
Including Williams’ absence, Ernesto Valverde will be without eight first-team players tonight. The Basque club released their 23-man squad that made the trip to England on Tuesday, confirming that none of Oihan Sancet, Yuri Berchiche, Maroan Sannade, Bernat Prados, Unai Egiluz, Yeray Alvarez, Inaki Williams and his brother Nico would feature at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe reacts to Nico Williams injury blow
The absence of the younger of the Williams brothers will be a huge blow for Valverde’s side as they look to create some momentum in a stuttering campaign to date. Athletic Club have won one and lost two of their Champions League games so far this season, with victory over Azerbaijani side Qarabag in their last outing moving them into the top 24.
Despite facing an opposition with a number of injury absences, Eddie Howe is still expecting a tough game tonight: “Very aware of the squad and of course the manager, I’ve met him previously and I think he is an outstanding tactician.“The Williams brothers are outstanding players and I know they’ve got a few injury problems but we’re still expecting a very, very strong squad, a very strong opponent and very good manager and a very good way of playing. I’ve watched them a lot, I really admire their structure and the way they play.
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“It’s the Champions League and a game against top class opposition, we know it’s going to be very difficult.”
One man who will be relieved not to see Williams’ name on the teamsheet tonight is Dan Burn. The England international has spent the last few weeks playing at left-back in Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall’s absence and would likely have lined up against Williams at St James’ Park.
Asked by Spanish media about the absence of not just Williams but also Sancet, the man Williams replaced at the Reale Arena on Saturday, Burn responded: “Yeah, definitely good.
“I think they're Athletic Club's best players, so I think they can cause problems for any team in the world. I think we've shown that in La Liga and European competitions as well, so, yeah, it always helps, but I would say that we would never underestimate Athletic Club.
“I think we've got a very good team, I think it's amazing how they've been so competitive with choosing only Basque players, I think that is crazy, it does seem crazy how competitive they are. Yeah, it'll be a very, very tough game.”
A win for Newcastle United tonight would put them on nine points from four matches and within touching distance of a points total that is likely to see them qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
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