Eddie Howe issues worrying injury update on three players after Newcastle FA Cup win
EDDIE HOWE admits he is concerned at Newcastle United’s mounting injury list in the wake of this evening’s FA Cup fourth round win at Birmingham City.
Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon were both absent from the 3-2 success at St Andrew’s, with the former having suffered a knee issue in last week’s Carabao Cup win over Arsenal and the latter struggling with a thigh problem.
At this stage, it is unclear whether either player will be able to feature in next weekend’s Premier League game at Manchester City, with Dan Burn now also a doubt for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Burn was complaining of a problem with his groin when he was substituted in the early stages of the second half tonight, with the injury due be assessed in the next couple of days.
“It seems that we’re just going through a little spell where, with a lot of big efforts in games, we’re just picking up one or two injuries,” said Howe, whose side will discover the identity of their fifth-round opponents when the draw takes place on Tuesday night.
“That’s a real concern for us because we have such a small squad, as we've said all season. We’ve got Sven missing, and Anthony was feeling his quad, so didn’t travel. Then we’ve now got Dan feeling his groin, so that's a big concern for us.
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“We don’t know how serious Dan’s injury is at the moment. I was a reluctant starter of Dan tonight. I didn’t want to take that risk with any of our players that played on Wednesday because we knew the physical cost of that game, but numbers dictated we had to.”
Howe made nine changes to his starting side at St Andrew’s, with Will Osula seizing his chance to impress as he lined up on the right-hand side.
The 21-year-old was involved in Newcastle’s opening two goals and carried a constant attacking threat as he showcased his versatility by moving out wide.
“I thought Will was a real outlet for us,” said Howe. “His pace, strength and directness were key for us in that first half, finding our way back into the game.
“He's still got some areas of his game that need development, but he's certainly moving in the right direction and I thought he was unlucky not to score.
“I think he can play any of the front three positions. I think anything that showcases his pace, I think that's his best asset. You saw that with his direct running.
“I think he's got goals in him, I think he's a natural goal scorer. There's a few rough edges we need to improve, keep working and developing him, but he's a massive player for us now.”
