Soccer Football - Friendly - Newcastle United v Rayo Vallecano - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 17, 2022 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe reacts Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
Journalist Lee Ryder has claimed that there could be a few Newcastle United absentees at the City Ground this weekend.
The Lowdown: Howe will be hoping for positive injury news
Newcastle will be hoping that they can make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time in 2023 when they travel to Nottingham Forest in the first kick-off of the weekend – although they could be walking wounded.
This is mainly because Eddie Howe admitted during his press conference that there were a few knocks and niggles after his side were part of a very physical game against Wolves last Sunday, which could be a cause for concern.
The Magpies aren’t the only side with injury woes, though, as opponents Forest are set to be without Brennan Johnson for the big clash, which will be a huge boost for Newcastle given the form he’s been in as of late.
The Latest: Newcastle players may face late fitness tests
After sitting in on Howe’s pre-match press conference, Ryder revealed on his YouTube channel that the Toon boss hinted at some potential absentees on Friday evening due to several small injuries.
He said: “Really, for Newcastle now going into this crucial period, they’re going to need everyone. Eddie Howe said today the majority of the squad should be available for Forest.
“So that is a little hint that there could be a couple of absentees. He did say that a couple of players haven’t trained this week, so we’ll have to wait and see exactly what squad turns up at the City Ground.”
The Verdict: Managing fitness and injuries will be key for Newcastle
With just 13 games left to play in the Premier League, we have certainly entered into the business end of the season, so keeping everyone fit to play in these crucial games will be very important for Newcastle’s chances of finishing in the top four.
It would be a huge shame for Newcastle and Howe if they were to miss out on European football altogether – which is possible given the form of Brighton and Brentford – so Howe’s side will need their top players fully fit to fight off some stiff competition.
Howe has had to deal with several major injury blows to his team this season, with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak, Joe Willock and Fabian Schar all missing games so far, and they can ill afford to miss many more given how often they’ve featured this term.
About the Author
