Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe reacts on the final whistle in the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 31, 2026. Liverpool won the game 4-1. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe reacts on the final whistle in the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 31, 2026. Liverpool won the game 4-1. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United injury news ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash away to Manchester City.
Eddie Howe has revealed he was unable to call upon Lewis Miley or Sven Botman during Newcastle United’s 4-1 defeat to Liverpool.
Howe made three changes from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain with Miley, Botman and Nick Woltemade replaced by Kieran Trippier, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon.
Gordon led the line with Howe opting to leave his three recognised strikers, Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Will Osula on the bench. It was a bold decision that initially paid off as Gordon put the Magpies in front in the 36th minute.
But a quick-fire double from Hugo Ekitike before half-time flipped the game on its head. Florian Wirtz made it 3-1 in the 66th minute and Howe reacted by introducing Woltemade and Wissa.
Neither player could make an impact as Ibrahima Konate added a fourth goal in stoppage time following a mistake by Nick Pope.
Eddie Howe explains Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa decision
In explaining his decision to name Woltemade and Wissa on the bench, Howe revealed he was unable to use Miley or Botman, despite the pair being among the substiute.
Howe said: “We wanted to go for real pace today against their back line, so that was the idea behind the selection.
“I think Anthony played really well today. Not just his goal, but his all-round play, his running ability, his athleticism was excellent, and his technical ability. I thought he played really well, and I think it helped the team. I think we gave them a problem.
“We couldn't use Lewis Miley and Sven Botman today. In terms of team selection and formation, it was sort of forced upon us to a degree, which is a disappointment.
“That's where I have to credit the players that we did use, and they've gone again after playing in Paris on Wednesday. With all the travelling, we're in a difficult spell because we can't protect too many players.”
Why couldn’t Eddie Howe use Lewis Miley or Sven Botman?
When asked what Miley and Botman’s issues were, Howe clarified: “Sven had a tight thigh and we were under the advice not to use him. The reason they were here and on the bench is because we were giving them every opportunity to declare themselves.
Of course, in the warm-up they might have felt different, the recovery time is so small, you don't always get the information that you need and the speed that you need.
“With Lewis, yeah, he couldn't bend his knee in the sufficient angles to declare himself fit.”
Newcastle United injury news ahead of Manchester City clash
Newcastle face Manchester City away on Wednesday as they look to overturn a 2-0 deficit to reach the final of the Carabao Cup.
Howe says Botman and Miley have a chance of being involved, though isn’t sure on Bruno Guimaraes’ availability. The Magpies’ skipper missed the defeat at Anfield due to an ankle injury.
“I'd say probably the best chances we have would be Sven and Lewis, who were on the bench today,” Howe said. Bruno, I'm not 100% sure whether he'll make it or not, there's a chance.”
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