There was understandably not much festive cheer when Eddie Howe last held a pre-match news conference on Tuesday.
“I understand all the questions being negative,” the Newcastle United head coach said just a few days after a damaging derby defeat against bitter rivals Sunderland.
Reaching a third Carabao Cup semi-final in four years has since lifted the sombre mood around the training ground.
But holders Newcastle have a quick turnaround before of Saturday’s visit of Chelsea and Howe’s side are running out of senior defenders.
Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth all look set to miss the early kick-off.
Although Lewis Hall should be fit to face his former club, midfielder Lewis Miley could line up in an unfamiliar role at right-back once more.
Expect Howe to be asked about those dwindling options and to provide a fresh update on Livramento, who had to come off with a knee issue in the win against Fulham.
The Newcastle head coach will also be questioned about the possibility of strengthening the squad in January.
