Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an update on the fitness of eight first-team players ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at home against Burnley.
The Magpies head into their meeting with the Clarets in buoyant mood after following up their 8-0 demolition job of Sheffield United last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday.
However, Howe is now sweating over the fitness of a number of key players who are nursing either injuries or minor illness issues.
One player who will be sidelined for a significant period in summer signing Harvey Barnes, with Howe confirming that the winger will not return until the New Year due to an injury underneath the toe.
Joe Willock is also ruled out as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury, and he is not expected to return until after the next international break in mid-October.
Callum Wilson has emerged as an injury doubt for Saturday after picking up a slight hamstring strain, while centre-back Sven Botman – who scored his first Newcastle goal in the win over Sheffield United – is nursing a knee issue.
“We’re going to see today. Callum has very minor hamstring tightness,” Howe said at a press conference on Friday. “We’ll give him every chance of being available. Same with Sven – we’ll make a late check on him.”
Alexander Isak, who scored the match-winner against Man City, is another who will need assessing ahead of kickoff after sustaining a knock in midweek.
“He’s another one we’ll need to make a late check on,” Howe added. “That’s the cost of having three games in a week – it’s usually the third game where these things build up.”
Howe has also revealed that defender Dan Burn has been feeling unwell “but he should be OK” to return to the matchday squad on Saturday
The same has been said about midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with the Magpies boss hopeful that the Brazilian will be available for selection after twisting his ankle against Man City.
“I think he did twist his ankle in the game (on Wednesday),” said Howe. “I think, initially, it took him some time to run it off but hopefully he’s OK.”
In addition, Howe has provided a positive update on the recovery of Emil Krafth, who has not played for Newcastle since August 2022 due to a troublesome knee injury.
“Emil will play for the Under-21s tonight (Friday),” Howe added. “It’s really, really good to see him come back and hopefully do well today.”
Newcastle currently sit eighth in the Premier League table and could move to within two points of the top four with a victory over Burnley, who are still searching for their first win since securing promotion.
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