Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday’s Carabao Cup game against Tottenham at St James’ Park (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
You can listen to a clip of Howe here and here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Sven Botman does not have a concussion after he was forced off against Fulham but the defender didn’t train on Monday.
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Elsewhere, the injured Lewis Hall is the closest player to returning but Tottenham comes too soon, while Tino Livramento is “on track” with Howe predicting the Manchester City fixture (22 Nov) for his come back.
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Yoane Wissa is also recovering at the expected pace but the striker will still need a “mini pre-season” before Howe can set a return date.
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Will Osula played a crucial part in the winning goal against Fulham on Saturday despite navigating an ankle injury and the Magpies boss is “relieved” he didn’t go on loan in the summer. Howe said: “Will is vitally important, he is quick, he is athletic. He has a good attitude and better know how to manage game situations. He is now coming on the pitch looking like a complete package.”
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He added: “Great personality, a real zest for life, he has very close friendships, he is very serious about his work. He is very serious about his development and his game.”
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Jacob Ramsey is back fighting for a starting position but Howe admitted that the midfielder needs to be “physically at his best” before his “technical abilities can shine”.
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On winning the Carabao Cup last season: “That feeling was incredible. One of the big drivers once you’ve experienced that is you want it again and again as quickly as possible. We don’t have unlimited opportunities for that so this is one of those chances to go far in a competition, go deep and try and repeat the experience. These early rounds are really difficult. It leaves us on no uncertain terms of what we have to do.”
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Facing Spurs will be a one of the “bigger challenges” for Howe’s team as they take on a side who are unbeaten away from home under Thomas Frank.
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Howe said: “Tactically, very interesting and very versatile. They build up in lots of different ways. Very aggressive off the ball. They have different ways to make things happen including set plays. Very well organised and ultimately, set plays are a big guider of that. Credit to him [Frank] and his coaching staff to what they’re doing.”
