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Eddie Howe has hailed James Bunce’s job as Newcastle United's performance director this season despite a recent injury outbreak.
A double whammy in midweek confirmed Sven Botman and Lewis Hall will face lengthy spells on the sidelines. Combined with Anthony Gordon’s red card against Brighton, this sent Newcastle’s plans for the Carabao Cup final next week into disarray.
Toon circles on social media have been shrouded in negativity since the FA Cup exit, with Bunce - who arrived as one of sporting director Paul Mitchell’s close associates last summer - coming under fire. His appointment came after Newcastle lost an unprecedented 1,950 days to injury last season - a Premier League record.
Howe dismissed any criticism towards the fitness guru ahead of Newcastle’s trip to West Ham tomorrow. He told NewcastleWorld: “James has taken that on (injury responsibility) this season. His role is to coordinate everything regarding a player’s injury.
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"With, of course, the medical team, in terms of assessing the injuries, getting the correct diagnosis, the right treatment, times and then beginning the process of getting that player back to full fitness. I have to say I think he’s been excellent in every respect.
"He’s made a really positive difference for us. Our injury record over the season has been very strong. That is in part down to James and the medical team.”
On injuries, Howe provided a positive update on Jamaal Lascelles following his year-long absence with an ACL tear. He added: “He’s making good progress. He’s back on the grass, not training with the team yet but I’d say he’d be happy with where he’s at currently.
He’s super lean (and) super fit. He is now entering the last phase of his recovery from injury and, hopefully, we’ll see him soon.”