Newcastle United injuries: Eddie Howe has provided an update on the fitness of Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley ahead of Brentford.
Newcastle United host Brentford at St James’ Park on Saturday evening (5:30pm kick-off) as they look to bounce back from successive defeats.
The Magpies lost 4-1 at Liverpool and 3-1 at Manchester City over the past week and have won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions.
Eddie Howe’s side have several concerns ahead of the game with Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Joelinton, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth missing the match at the Etihad Stadium. Anthony Gordon suffered a hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup defeat, making him a doubt for the Brentford match.
Newcastle head into the match sitting 11th in the table but knowing they would draw level on points with Brentford with a win on Saturday.
Eddie Howe provides Newcastle United injury update
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Howe said: “No major update on Anthony, every chance he’ll miss this game, but we hope it’s not a serious injury and he’ll be back soon.”
Newcastle have never won a Premier League match without Bruno Guimaraes and would be boosted by his potential return.
“Getting closer,” Howe said on his captain. “He did a training session on Wednesday and he felt pretty good. I’ll see him today and fingers crossed, he’ll be fit.”
It is also hoped Miley could make a return and provide an option in both midfield and defence if needed.
“Find out today, I’m awaiting an update on him,” Howe said on Miley. “Not a serious injury and we hope he’ll be back pretty soon.”
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Eddie Howe looking to restore confidence at St James’ Park
Newcastle have had a brutal schedule with successive away trips to Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, Premier League holders Liverpool and Manchester City in the space of a week.
But the fixtures are still coming thick and fast as they return to St James’ Park on Saturday before a trip to face Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.
“Focus back onto the Premier League,” Howe said. “We need real focus now on these next two games. As you say, Brentford at home, Tottenham away, two really good games, games that we look forward to.
“But being back at home after several away games is more than welcome. So this will be a nice feeling for us on Saturday.
“I mean, Paris, Liverpool and Manchester City away for any team is away from home as well. All games being away in a really short period of time. That's back off a three-game, six-day week.
“So the lads going into those games not actually in the best physical condition, quite fatigued. I think for any team that's going to be difficult. And in watching those games, the scorelines look pretty bad.
“But I think the games were very different. All of them could have been different scorelines. So that's why I say we have to acknowledge that and we have to protect the confidence of the players because then if you carry that baggage into the next game, it can be even more difficult.
“So we need the players to play these games with clear heads and feeling good about themselves.”
Continue Reading