In the world of high-stakes football, managers are often known for their secrecy. For Eddie Howe, keeping his cards close to his chest has become a trademark of his tenure at Newcastle United. He is a man who rarely, if ever, provides the opposition with even a glimmer of his tactical setup before the team sheets are officially released.
However, as the Magpies landed in Azerbaijan to face Qarabag in a vital Champions League play-off, the veteran coach did something entirely out of character. For the first time in his career, Howe broke his own golden rule by naming two of his starting players ahead of a match.
The setting for this rare moment of transparency was the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium. During a pre-match press conference, the local Azerbaijani media, eager to learn more about their illustrious visitors, pressed the Newcastle boss on which stars they should keep an eye on.
In a moment of unexpected humor and uncharacteristic openness, Howe decided to “play the game,” offering up two names that are now guaranteed to be on the pitch when the whistle blows.
The first name mentioned was Kieran Trippier. While Howe acknowledged his technical brilliance and his immense quality from the right-back position, he also added a touch of grim realism to the choice. He noted that Trippier is currently the only fit right-back in the squad, making his inclusion a matter of necessity as much as tactical preference.
The second player confirmed for the starting eleven was Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder is currently riding a wave of momentum after a spectacular performance in the previous fixture, where he netted two goals from long range. Howe expressed his hope that this goal-scoring form is just the beginning of a dominant run for the former AC Milan star.
While the confirmation of Trippier and Tonali provided plenty of excitement, it was the news regarding Joelinton that truly lifted the spirits of the traveling supporters. The Brazilian midfielder, who has become the physical heartbeat of the Newcastle engine room, has traveled with the squad after a grueling nine-game absence.
A groin injury had kept the 29-year-old on the sidelines, but Howe confirmed that his return to the squad is a monumental boost. Describing Joelinton as a “real leader” and a “big presence,” the manager noted that he trained well and felt good enough to be in contention for a place on the field.
However, the injury report was not entirely positive. The squad remains stretched thin, and Howe was quick to point out that several high-quality players are still missing. The list of absences is significant, but the manager remains adamant that the team’s spirit is high following their recent performances.
One of the most talked-about absences is that of Bruno Guimarães. The midfield maestro is currently back in his home country, Brazil, as he begins a long road to recovery following a serious hamstring tear.
In a unique arrangement, Newcastle’s medical team has partnered with the Brazilian national team’s staff to manage the initial stages of his rehabilitation. Howe explained that this allows Bruno to get a “mental refresh” in a familiar environment while he is unable to do heavy physical work.
The plan is for the midfielder to return to Tyneside for the final month of his recovery, with the goal of having him back on the pitch by April.
| Player | Status | Expected Return |
| Kieran Trippier | Starting | N/A |
| Sandro Tonali | Starting | N/A |
| Joelinton | In Squad | Immediate |
| Bruno Guimarães | Rehabilitating | April |
| Lewis Miley | Injured | Late March |
| Emil Krafth | Out | Next Season |
In addition to the news about Bruno, there was an update on young talent Lewis Miley. The teenager is still missing from the lineup due to a particularly stubborn muscle injury. What was initially thought to be a simple “dead leg” from a heavy knock turned out to involve significant muscle disruption.
Howe noted that while the injury was strange in its severity, Miley is finally making good progress. The medical team is waiting for the muscle to heal completely before pushing him back into full training.
The most somber update, however, concerned Emil Krafth. The Swedish defender’s season has been officially declared over following a knee operation. Krafth initially picked up the problem during international duty, and while the club hoped he could recover through rest and light therapy, it became evident during recent training sessions that surgery was the only option.
His removal from the Champions League squad made way for 39-year-old veteran John Ruddy to join as a third goalkeeping option, highlighting just how thin the squad has become in certain areas.
As the Magpies prepare to walk out into the hostile atmosphere of Baku, they do so with a blend of new transparency and old-fashioned grit. The rare admission from Howe has given the local fans something to look forward to, but the real test lies in how his remaining fit players handle the pressure of European knockout football.
Despite the long injury list and the logistical challenges of a trip to Azerbaijan, the manager is confident that his “cards close to the chest” approach save for those two rare exceptions will lead them to a positive result.
