Eddie Howe has provided an injury update following last night’s fantastic Carabao Cup win against Manchester City, which set up a fourth round clash away to Manchester United!
The manager didn’t reveal much, but did clarify that Alexander Isak was out with a ‘tight calf,’ that Callum Wilson was out with ‘hamstring tightness,’ and that Sven Botman was out with a ‘knee injury.’
Bruno Guimaraes ‘twisted his ankle,’ according to Howe, explaining why the Brazilian was limping during the final minutes, while Paul Dummett was pulled out with cramp. It has also been revealed that Dan Burn and Martin Dubravka were both ill, which explains why they did not make the squad.
Here’s what the 45-year-old told BBC Newcastle after the match, admitting we’re nursing several knocks:
“I hope he (Isak) is okay, he’s got a tight calf and we are nursing a few problems at the minute. The squad is stretched hence the changes to the team.
“Wilson was ruled out tonight due to hamstring tightness, and Sven Botman has a knee injury.” Bruno sprained his ankle, and Paul Dummett cramped. Dan Burn and Martin Dubravka were not feeling good.”
Howe then addressed the game itself, praising our second-half performance and great effort to defeat the European champions:
“I’m very pleased with the players’ efforts.” We had a difficult first half because they played extremely well, but we defended pretty well because we had to. We remained in the game.
“We were slightly out of sync, so we made adjustments at halftime and were much better.” The second half performance was outstanding.
“I don’t know whether we deserved it because it was a game of few chances, but the players’ attitude was first class.”
🗣️ "The way we're going and the competitions we're in, we're playing elite teams all the time and we have to get used to it. It's the only way we improve ourselves."
The boss' reaction to the Carabao Cup fourth round draw. pic.twitter.com/VMIGrQHXC2
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 27, 2023
On the draw against Man Utd, Howe then had this to say when speaking to NUFC TV:
“It’s not ideal – away from home is not what we wanted and it’s another top team. But we’ve proven tonight we can make changes and win a very difficult game. I’m sure Man Utd will be equally as difficult, but we’ll try and win.
“Wilson was ruled out tonight due to hamstring tightness, and Sven Botman has a knee injury.” Bruno sprained his ankle, and Paul Dummett cramped. Dan Burn and Martin Dubravka were not feeling good.”
Howe then addressed the game itself, praising our second-half performance and great effort to defeat the European champions:
“I’m very pleased with the players’ efforts.” We had a difficult first half because they played extremely well, but we defended pretty well because we had to. We remained in the game.
“We were slightly out of sync, so we made adjustments at halftime and were much better.” The second half performance was outstanding.