Newcastle United fans were given a significant injury update on Tuesday night, and it arrived at exactly the right time as the club prepares for a huge test against Manchester City.
Eddie Howe has always been honest when discussing the fitness of his players, and once again he remained open as he reflected on the current state of his squad. With Newcastle returning to Premier League action on Saturday in the 5:30pm kick-off, supporters were eager to hear who might be available and who remains doubtful.
The update came shortly after Howe was officially inducted into the Newcastle United Hall of Fame at the club’s Foundation annual awards dinner an honour that reflects the admiration and respect he has earned since taking charge.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Howe was happy to share the latest injury news and provide clarity on some key names ahead of the City fixture.
Speaking to Matthew Raisbeck of BBC Newcastle, Howe addressed concerns around several players whose absences had raised questions. When asked about Anthony Gordon, Nick Pope, and Sandro Tonali, Howe explained that the squad was dealing with what he described as “a mixed bag.”
Gordon had stayed behind during the international break, and according to Howe, his availability remains uncertain. The winger is “touch and go” for Saturday’s match, meaning a late decision will be needed depending on how he responds in the coming days.
On the more positive side, Howe confirmed that Sandro Tonali should be fine for the weekend. Although the midfielder did not feature in Italy’s second match during the break, any fears of an injury appear to be unfounded.
This will come as a huge relief to Newcastle supporters, as Tonali remains a central figure in Howe’s midfield structure.
Nick Pope’s situation also seems encouraging. The goalkeeper suffered a concussion but has successfully passed all required protocols, which puts him in line to return.
Given how vital Pope is to the team’s stability at the back, this is one of the most reassuring pieces of news Howe delivered.
The Head Coach did admit that a few players are still being eased back into training. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are both in the early stages of their returns, although Hall has already made two encouraging appearances in recent matches.
Yoane Wissa remains unavailable but has started increasing his workload, signalling progress even if he is not ready just yet. Overall, Howe expressed satisfaction that the squad is finally moving into what he called “a healthier place.”
The best news in all of this is undoubtedly the expected availability of Tonali and Pope. Both have been important in different areas of the pitch, and their return gives Howe the kind of balance and leadership his side desperately needs going into such a demanding fixture.
It is not surprising that Wissa is still out, as he has been managing a longer-term issue, and it also seems unlikely that Livramento will feature on Saturday.
He has not played enough minutes recently to be rushed back into such a high-intensity match. Hall, however, appears much closer to a starting role. His recent involvement has been impressive coming off the bench against Bilbao and Brentford, then starting for England’s Under-21s before adding another strong half-hour performance against Slovakia Under-21s in their 4–0 win. Lewis Miley also contributed in those matches, showing how valuable Newcastle’s young players continue to be.
Hall’s sharpness and growing confidence suggest he may be ready to start against City, especially with Newcastle in desperate need of his energy and balance down the left.
Gordon’s situation is less certain, but Howe’s “touch and go” comment hints that the winger still has a real chance of making the squad. With the busiest part of the season now underway, his availability could be crucial.
From the clash with Manchester City on 22 November all the way through to the home match against Chelsea on December 20, Newcastle face an intense run of nine games in just four weeks. Howe will need every fit player he can get, and these injury updates show the picture is finally improving after a difficult spell.
The overall tone from Howe was cautiously optimistic, and supporters will be hoping that the returning players not only boost the squad but also help ignite a strong run of form during this demanding period.
If Newcastle can navigate these next few weeks with key players back and firing, the entire direction of their season could shift in a very positive way.
