Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.placeholder image
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe. | AFP via Getty Images
Nick Woltemade is the latest Newcastle United player to fall ill following Jacob Ramsey’s bizarre withdrawal at the weekend.
Eddie Howe has revealed illness is ripping through the Newcastle United camp as Nick Woltemade is a doubt to face Manchester United.
A bizarre situation at the weekend saw Jacob Ramsey taken off shortly before half-time. The midfielder - who scored in the opening 45 minutes - appeared to be vomiting as he prepared to step onto the field.
On a positive note, Howe has confirmed he is back in training ahead of the clash with the Red Devils tomorrow. However, club-record signing Woltemade is a serious doubt, having stayed away from the training ground with the bug in recent days
Eddie Howe reveals sickness bug
“Jacob was in yesterday training fine,” Howe told reporters. “A quick recovery from him. There’s obviously something, an illness, potentially there in the squad because Nick Woltemade has come down ill and we haven't seen him for a couple of days. Let’s see - we’ll give him every chance.”
Eddie Howe on Jacob Ramsey
Howe also praised Ramsey’s improved contribution to the black-and-white cause in recent weeks. The former Aston Villa man took time to adjust after leaving his boyhood club but has been one of Newcastle’s best performers.
“He’s getting better and better for me. When we first signed him, it was clear from the training we were doing how good technically Jacob is. He very rarely wastes the ball and is good in tight areas.
“He has good athleticism to add to the side. He has a little bit of everything and it’s been great to see him score a couple of important goals for us. Naturally, playing in midfield, you need to contribute in that area as well.
“Those two goals would have done his confidence levels the world of good. He now feels fully here, at home and comfortable with what he’s being asked to do. It can only get better from this point as well.”
Continue Reading