Howe reveals new injury concern & issues update on 10 players ahead of Bournemouth clash

Speaking in his first press conference back following the World Cup, Eddie Howe has confirmed that Allan Saint-Maximin picked up a "slight injury" in our 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.

He's hopeful it's just a knock that will "settle quickly", but it seems the Frenchman will need a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow's Carabao Cup clash with Bournemouth.

Callum Wilson is "fine" and has been passed fit to face his former club, while fellow World Cup stars Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope are all eager to play after returning from Qatar.

The game comes too soon for Alexander Isak (thigh), with The Athletic's Chris Waugh revealing that Howe was 'coy' when asked for an update on Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Dan Burn; three players who didn't feature on Saturday.

Here's what he's had to say on all of the above, admitting we don't have a fully fit squad for tomorrow's game at St James' Park...

Howe on injuries within the squad:

“No, we don’t have a fully fit squad.

"Naturally I think there are always a couple of injuries so we don’t have a fully fit squad.”

Howe on Allan Saint-Maximin:

“I think there is a slight injury. We’ll see today how he comes in.

"Obviously after a game things can be sore, but they can settle quickly so hopefully that’s the case.”

Howe on Callum Wilson:

“With Callum, I’ve never said there’s an issue, so, yeah, he’s fine.”

Howe when asked if those away at the World Cup are ready to return:

“Speaking to the international lads that are back, they’re very keen to get the season restarted, which is a great thing for me to hear and for everyone connected with Newcastle United to hear, too.

"Everyone has returned in a slightly different position but now the collective mind goes into Newcastle. Whatever has happened for that individual, it's now about coming back to our team and embracing everything we are."

Howe on Bruno Guimaraes:

"He is fine, physically. He's focused on the future and that's important - whatever happened to them at the World Cup, they put that behind them and use whatever positive things they can from the competition but now focus on what's ahead."

Howe on Alexander Isak:

"Not much has changed with Alex, we're still in the same situation. We're assessing him day by day and want to make sure when he returns he's in the best possible condition.

Howe on the return of competitive football following the World Cup break:

"It's important to re-establish our momentum.

"Where we finished against Chelsea, there was a really good feeling around the stadium. We want to get back there as quickly as we can.

"Given the Premier League schedule, we think it's good to have this game, but we have tried to be ready physically for this game as it is a chance for us to advance in a very important competition. That's how we've approached the game."