Ahead of their visit to Manchester City on Saturday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe gave an injury update on a number of key players as the Magpies seek to extend three-match away winning run
Eddie Howe has positive news about Sven Botman ahead of Newcastle’s trip to face Manchester City on Saturday in the Premier League, after the Dutch defender missed recent matches against Qarabag and Aston Villa through a back problem.
However, Lewis Miley faces at least another week on the sidelines after his dead leg caused muscle disturbance requiring cautious management.
Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Howe delivered a mixed injury bulletin ahead of Newcastle‘s visit to the Etihad Stadium.
The Magpies travel in buoyant mood following three consecutive away victories across different competitions, though facing City just days after their long trip to Baku for Champions League action presents obvious physical challenges.
“Tino is making good progress but I don’t think we’re going to shave too much time off the early March target for him,” Howe said regarding Tino Livramento‘s ongoing hamstring recovery. “Better news on Sven, he could be in and around this game.”
Miley recovery requires careful approach
Miley’s situation requires more patience despite the injury initially appearing straightforward. What seemed like a simple dead leg has proven more complicated, with medical staff discovering the impact disturbed muscle tissue requiring careful rehabilitation.
“Lewis had a dead leg, but it disturbed a bit of the muscle,” Howe explained. “Nothing more than a week or a couple of weeks, maximum. But we’ve been told we’ve got to be careful with it.”
Yoane Wissa will miss Saturday’s match after suffering a knock in training, though Howe expressed optimism about his availability for Tuesday’s Champions League return leg against Qarabag at St James’ Park.
“Yoane won’t be available tomorrow, but he could be back for Qarabag on Tuesday,” Howe confirmed. “He took a nasty knock in training, but he will be fine.”
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Guimaraes continues Brazil recovery
Bruno Guimarães remains in Brazil undergoing rehabilitation from the hamstring injury that will sideline him for approximately two months. Howe offered a lighthearted update on his captain’s commitment to following the team despite being thousands of miles away.
“No massive update on Bruno, he’s in Brazil recovering,” Howe said. “Seeing him watching the Qarabag game in the recovery chamber did make me laugh because it’s just his passion and his love for the team shining through! We wish him well from afar.”
Newcastle‘s recent form represents a dramatic turnaround from their earlier struggles away from St James’ Park. Prior to their current three-match winning streak on the road, they’d won just three of their previous 14 away fixtures across all competitions, drawing six and losing eight.
The upturn began with a crucial 1-2 victory at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, ending a difficult run of results. That breakthrough preceded a 1-3 comeback triumph over 10-man Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend, demonstrating resilience after falling behind.
Wednesday’s 1-6 demolition of Qarabag in Baku provided the most emphatic statement yet, with Anthony Gordon‘s four first-half goals effectively settling the Champions League knockout round playoff before half-time.
