The United head coach has strengthen in depth on his bench for Monday night's Premier League clash
Newcastle United's Jacob Ramsey and Athony Elanga in training
Newcastle's Jacob Ramsey and Athony Elanga in training
While it may feel as though Newcastle United have spent the entire summer searching for a new striker, the reality is Eddie Howe has been able to make some key additions to his squad over the past weeks.
Competitions for places and the ability to rotate his squad is going to be vital for the Magpies head coach in the coming months, with the first of eight Champions League group stage matches now just a few weeks away.
Add in domestic cups and the need for Newcastle to again challenge for at the top end of the Premier League table in order to seal a place in Europe's elite competition for 2026, and United will need to call upon a host of top quality players.
We saw two seasons ago how difficult the demands of playing in Europe are when coupled with league and cup fixtures, and United are eager to ensure they can thrive in the rarified air this time around.
The additions of Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale and Athony Elanga has given Howe much needed options in key areas of the pitch, but it is the arrival of Jacob Ramsey which could given the United chief a crucial advantage.
Content Image
Content Image
Newcastle's first choice midfield of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes dominated last season, but the trio cannot be expected to play week-in, week-out this term.
With Ramsey added to the mix, Joe Willock back from injury and Lewis Miley continuing his development, Howe now has three viable replacements in the engine room - something he has not had since Tonali's 10-month ban started almost two years ago.
Back then United had Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson in the mix, but Tonali's ban and then Anderson's sale to Nottingham Forest meant he has not been able to operate with six first-team midfielders for some time.
Ramsey comes into contention against Liverpool and could be set to make his debut in United colours after his move from Aston Villa last weekend.
"He'll be available," Howe said of Ramsey. "We've still got training sessions to go before the game, but he's in a good place and has looked really impressive.
"He's really, really good technically, very intelligent, and I think he'll add a lot to the team. He has standout qualities."
Jacob Ramsey signs for Newcastle United
Jacob Ramsey could make his debut on Monday
Willock's involvement is perhaps less certain, but the former Arsenal midfielder is well ahead of schedule in his recovery from a groin injury.
However he has trained with the first team this week and could yet take his place on the bench against Liverpool on Monday night.
"Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday and trained really well," Howe added. "When he went down in the game in Korea I thought he was going to be out longer term, it didn't look good. Credit to him, he's got back fit and looking good."