Eddie Howe provides fitness updates on Nick Woltemade and Tino Livramento following a resilient 10-man victory over Manchester United
Newcastle enter their fifth encounter of the season against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City with a mix of momentum and significant selection hurdles.
Coach Eddie Howe addressed the media at the Newcastle United Media Centre, reflecting on a dramatic week that saw the Magpies secure a 2–1 win over Manchester United despite playing half the match with 10 men.
The victory, sealed by a late goal from substitute William Osula, has galvanised the squad, but the physical and disciplinary toll of that match continues to influence Howe‘s preparations for the FA Cup fifth-round tie.
The most immediate concern for the Magpies is the absence of midfielder Jacob Ramsey, who is serving a suspension following a controversial red card on Wednesday night.
Ramsey was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for simulation, a decision that has sparked widespread debate among pundits and prompted a staunch defence from Howe.
The loss of Ramsey further thins a midfield that is already missing key personnel, forcing the coaching staff to reconsider their tactical approach against the reigning Premier League champions.
Howe clarifies availability of Woltemade and Miley as cup preparations intensify
During Friday’s briefing, Howe provided a positive health update regarding German international Nick Woltemade, who missed the midweek victory due to illness.
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The forward has returned to individual training after recovering from a bout that saw him lose some weight, and he is expected to be available for selection on Saturday.
However, the outlook for young midfielder Lewis Miley is less optimistic, as Howe confirmed the teenager will miss at least the next two fixtures, including the upcoming high-stakes Champions League meeting with Barcelona.
The status of Tino Livramento remains a “wait and see” situation for the weekend. Although the defender has undergone an extensive individual fitness program and has been running for a significant period, Howe emphasized that the player still needs integrated training time with the first-team squad before he can be considered for a starting role.
“Tino [Livramento] is getting there, let’s wait and see,” Howe said.
“He hasn’t trained with us yet, but he has done a lot of work. He has a lot of work behind him, but it is just that training time with us.
“Nick [Woltemade] should be okay, had an illness and has lost some weight. He trained yesterday individually and felt okay.
“Lewis [Miley] isn’t there yet and will not make the next couple of games.”
Beyond the immediate concerns for Saturday, the Magpies remain without several long-term absentees. Captain Bruno Guimarães, Fabian Schär, and Emil Krafth all remain on the sidelines, leaving Howe with a depleted defensive unit as he navigates a relentless schedule across domestic and European competitions.
