The Magpies will look to get back to winning ways as they travel to London for a clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday
Eddie Howe has provided an update on Newcastle absentees, including information on Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär ahead of the team’s trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Magpies are heading into the clash on the back of two straight painful losses, as a thrashing at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League was followed by a home defeat in the derby against Sunderland before the March international break.
The North East side are looking to consolidate their league position as the season enters its final six weeks. However, the squad heading to London for the early kick-off will be missing several key figures due to a mix of surgical requirements and lingering illness.
The Newcastle coach confirmed that Fabian Schär is expected to be out for at least a month due to his foot ailment, a setback that leaves a considerable void in the Newcastle backline during the business end of the season.
The Swiss international’s absence is compounded by the ongoing health struggles of Bruno Guimarães. The Brazilian playmaker contracted an illness following his return from his country, which has severely delayed his reintegration into first-team training.
“Bruno suffered on his return from Brazil with illness, that has delayed his return,” Howe explained. “Doubt over this game and the Bournemouth game. Maybe he will be back for Arsenal.”
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While the loss of two such influential figures is a setback, the club did receive a boost with the news that teenage midfielder Lewis Miley has trained well and is available for selection after his recent leg injury.
The return of Miley offers a glimmer of hope for a midfield that has often looked overstretched this term, but the trip to South London on Sunday will certainly be a stern examination of Eddie Howe’s tactical adaptability.
Trippier set for summer departure from St James’ Park
Beyond the immediate injury concerns, the club is also preparing for a significant transition in leadership. Kieran Trippier has officially announced that he will be moving on at the end of the current campaign, ending a highly successful four-year stint on Tyneside.
The veteran full-back was the cornerstone of the club’s post-takeover era and was instrumental in their recent domestic cup success and Champions League qualification.
Howe was full of praise for the departing leader, noting that the decision was reached following a mature and transparent discussion between the player and the coaching staff.
“I think Kieran has handled himself superbly. He came to see me, we had a discussion, and he had a clear vision of what his future looked like,” Howe said. “He is one of the best players I have ever worked with, he is a real leader and he deserves all the plaudits.”