Eddie Howe press conference: Anthony Gordon fitness update, Joelinton return and latest Newcastle team news ahead of Brighton clash
Newcastle United host Brighton at St James’ Park on Saturday looking to steady the ship after a difficult run of form in the Premier League.
Four straight league defeats have dragged Eddie Howe’s side down to 14th in the table, leaving them glancing nervously over their shoulder despite still holding an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone.
The mood around the club has become increasingly tense in recent weeks, with pressure building on both players and staff to turn things around quickly.
Brighton, currently sixth, arrive in strong form and will provide a stern test as Newcastle look to respond in front of their home supporters.
Anthony Gordon latest as Howe weighs selection decision
There was, however, some encouragement on the injury front this week, particularly regarding Anthony Gordon, who has missed the last two matches with a hip problem.
“He did a session on Wednesday, part of the session on Wednesday,” Howe announced.
“It’s great to see him back on the pitch, a player of great quality and one we have missed. We will make an assessment today about whether he is fit to play tomorrow.”
Gordon’s return would be a timely boost given Newcastle’s recent struggles in the final third.
Elsewhere, Howe provided a positive update on Yoane Wissa’s condition after a disrupted period.
“Yoane’s only issue was the injury he suffered and the fact he hadn’t trained before then,” he said.
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“The combination of those two things meant he wasn’t physically able to produce the quality of performance he produced against Brentford.
“Since we returned to full team training sessions, we have seen an elevation in his performance levels. As long as he continues that upward trajectory we will see the best of him in the future.”
Nick Woltemade is another player pushing for a bigger role after having his minutes drastically reduced in recent weeks.
“Nick is training well and is benefitting with the bigger sessions,” Howe said. “We are working with him on things we didn’t have the opportunity earlier in the season.
“His pass for Yoane was sublime and it was great to see them link together and it is a potential partnership we can utilise in the future.”
Newcastle will also be boosted by the return of Joelinton from suspension.
“Joey is a massive part of what we do,” he said. “That will to win, that determination to win every loose ball. He has that mentality we need more of from more of the group.
“He sets the standards and when he is not playing we miss something with his unique qualities. We are delighted to have him back.”
Howe also touched on recent defensive adjustments, particularly on Lewis Hall who was left out of the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last week.
“We hadn’t kept enough clean sheets so we needed to change something. We changed the goalkeeper, changed Lewy’s position and I think it had a positive effect on the team in that game. That’s not a reflection on Lewy, I felt we needed more height in the team. Every player has to fight for his place.”
With key players edging back and selection decisions to make, Newcastle will hope this weekend marks the start of a turnaround.
