Howe reveals latest Newcastle injury concerns ahead of Champions League clash with PSV
The Magpies face Dutch opposition in their penultimate league phase game
Newcastle return to Champions League action on Wednesday night with a home meeting against PSV Eindhoven, knowing a victory at St James’ Park would strengthen their push for a top-eight finish in the group phase.
Eddie Howe’s side still have work to do despite being well placed to reach the knockout stages.
A place inside the top eight would secure direct passage into the last 16, while teams finishing between ninth and 24th face a two-legged play-off next month. Although Newcastle could still progress even with defeats in their remaining fixtures, Howe has made clear that the focus remains on winning the games in front of them.
“It would be nice,” Howe said when asked about the prospect of a top-eight finish. “But I think we just relish the games, the two games that we have to come. The best way to answer that question is to try and win the next two games in front of us, starting with tomorrow’s game, which is a great game for us, a really magical game.
“PSV are a very good team. I’ve been very impressed with all the research we’ve done on them, how they’ve been playing and their recent results. It’s set up to be a great game.”
Newcastle have been boosted by the return of Dan Burn and William Osula to training this week, with both players stepping up their recoveries after lengthy absences.
Burn has been sidelined for more than a month with broken ribs and a punctured lung, while Osula has missed the last 11 weeks with an ankle injury. However, Howe confirmed that neither will be ready in time to face the Dutch champions.
“Dan is making really good progress,” Howe explained. “We anticipated the journey back that he’s had and he’s pretty much stuck to the timelines we expected. He won’t make tomorrow, it’s too early.
“Same with Will Osula. Today was their first day with the team, but hopefully they won’t be too far away.”
Burn and Osula will also be joined on the sidelines by Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles and Jacob Murphy, leaving Howe with limited options as he prepares for a demanding run of fixtures.
After Wednesday’s European clash, Newcastle return to domestic action with a Premier League home game against Aston Villa this weekend, before closing out their Champions League group campaign with a trip to holders Paris Saint-Germain next week.