We have had an official Newcastle United injury update after the defeat at Liverpool.
This comes with the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg fast approaching on Wednesday night against Manchester City at the Etihad.
For the match at Anfield, Eddie Howe made three changes.
Trippier, Barnes and Gordon, replacing Miley, Woltemade and Botman.
Miley, Botman and Woltemade dropping to the bench BUT Eddie Howe revealing after the match that the same as Bruno Guimaraes on the bench against PSG in Paris, they weren’t an option to even bring on as subs…
The Newcastle United Head Coach explaining; “We couldn’t use Lewie Miley or Sven Botman, so in terms of team selection and formation, it was sort of forced upon us to a degree. Which was a disappointment but that is where I have to credit the players that we did use, as they have gone again after playing in Paris on Wednesday, we are in a difficult spell [with injuries and available players…”
Eddie Howe adding; “Sven Botman had a tight thigh and we were under advice not to use him, the reason they were here and on the bench was because we were giving them every opportunity to declare themselves fit, in the warm-up they might have felt different. The recovery time is so small, so you don’t always get the information that you need in the speed that you need it. With Lewie [Miley], he couldn’t bend his knee with sufficient angles to declare himself fit.”
Eddie Howe asked whether any players could be in contention to return against Manchester City.
The NUFC Head Coach revealing; “The best chance is Sven and Lewie, Bruno I’m not one hundred per cent sure, there is a chance. As for the others, no.”
On Friday, ahead of the Liverpool match, Eddie Howe had this to say about two of those who were missing at Anfield.
Eddie Howe on Joelinton’s injury:
“He flew on to Barcelona after the game to get an injection in his groin. It was good news.
“The specialist feels he only needs one injection and that means his return could be quite quick and we’re looking at weeks, not months.
“Unsure of the exact date yet, but it’s positive news.”
Eddie Howe on Tino Livramento’s recovery from injury:
“He’s doing well.
“I believe he’s having a scan today – a second scan to see the progress of his hamstring.
“Fingers crossed it’s good news and if it is, he’ll be back out running.
“We’re still probably five to six weeks away and we’re looking at an early March return, providing everything goes well.”