It wasn’t always pretty, but Newcastle avoided a post-celebrations hangover to beat Brentford 2-1 at St James’ Park last night.
The result sends us back up to fifth thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali, although the former was one of three who come away from the game with a new injury issue.
Eddie Howe spoke to the media after the game and offered an update on the Swede, also addressing concern around Kieran Trippier and Joelinton.
Isak and Trippier concerns
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Alexander Isak managed just over an hour of game time on Wednesday, before he was abruptly withdrawn for Callum Wilson.
Kieran Trippier meanwhile, in spite of another stellar performance, also looked to be afflicted by a groin injury, with both concerns described as the only “negatives” from a vital win by Eddie Howe.
On Isak, Howe said: ”I don’t think he was feeling 100 per cent, that’s why we withdrew him. He wasn’t feeling 100 per cent in his groin, I think, and in his movement, so that’s why we withdrew him. Hopefully he’s OK.”
Trippier’s 89th minute withdrawal as we were looking to see out a 2-1 win was also telling and it’s a concern to here that he couldn’t continue.
On Trippier, Howe added: “He said he was feeling a cramp sensation in his groin. We hope it’s nothing serious. That’s the negative today.
“We hope it’s nothing serious because we can’t afford any injuries, we have such a small squad, as we saw with the bench today.”
Joelinton niggle
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Joelinton managed to complete the full 90 minutes, but did require some treatment in the second half and was clearly showing signs of discomfort.
“I think his knee was causing him a bit of discomfort today, it’s the knee that he’s suffered from before,” Howe said on the Brazilian’s fitness.
“I don’t think he was 100 per cent fit, but it would have taken a lot for Joe to have come off the pitch today. But that’s where we need to assess every little niggle we have and make sure everyone is okay for Monday.”
“I think he epitomises the mentality we need. It’s win at all costs,” Howe added. “He’s always there for you in training, Joey, he’s always there for me. He’s a standard bearer in that respect, and you need players like that to set the example for everyone else to follow.”
It’s a quick turnaround between now and Newcastle’s next league game away to Leicester on Monday night, so here’s hoping that the in-form trio can quickly recover in time to face the Foxes.
Howe wary of “small squad”
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Newcastle’s bench against Brentford featured a couple of surprise names, those being striker Sean Neave and defender Leo Shahar from the youth teams.
With short-term fitness worries, long-term injuries and even a sickness bug with Matt Targett, Howe’s side will have to truly dig deep if they’re looking to make it through the next nine games unscathed.
“We can’t afford any injuries, we have such a small squad, as we saw with the bench today.”