Howe issues Friday-morning update on Dubravka, Isak, injuries and FA Cup rotation plans
Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, discussing all things Newcastle United ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie at home to Bromley.
The boss has discussed Martin Dubravka's future, the fitness of five players - including Alexander Isak and Sven Botman - and rotation plans heading into the weekend.
Here's everything he had to say on the above, starting with an update on Dubravka:
Howe hoping for Dubravka agreement
Howe has doubled down on his plans to keep the Slovakian at St James' Park this month, despite ongoing talk of a move to Saudi side Al-Shabab.
The boss insists that he has "never said he wants to leave", praised his professionalism and revealed that they are hoping to reach an agreement to keep him, with talks "ongoing."
"Martin has never said he wants to leave," Howe said. "He's been a very, very good professional for us. It's difficult when Nick is playing and Martin isn't. He's waited for his chance and he has had to stay ready.
"He's performed well and that's down to his training levels. Whatever the weather, he's there. You can see what Newcastle means to him emotionally. All these things will be playing a part for him.
"I think it will help [Newcastle and Martin playing well]. The team is in a good moment and he's in a good moment. He knows he's a part of that. The main focus is on Martin's future. We need to clear that up with just six months left on his contract.
"I'm not totally up to date [with contract situation] with everything so I don't want to tell you any lies. Hopefully we can come to some sort of agreement with him. We want to keep him. Talks are ongoing"
Isak and Botman updates
Howe shared some positive news on both Alexander Isak and Sven Botman, revealing that the Swede is "in a good place" and set to report back tomorrow after a few days off.
Isak will be rested on Sunday to ensure he's fine for both games next week against Wolves and Bournemouth, while Botman is "doing well" after feeling tightness in his groin on Tuesday.
“He (Isak) is seeing his physio at the moment and we’ve given him a couple of days rest but we think he’s in a good place and he’ll report back tomorrow.
“We would have probably involved him in some way [against Bromley] but with what’s happened he’ll probably be given this game to rest and get himself right for our future schedule.”
On Botman, Howe added: “Sven is doing well. It was naturally tough for him to play two games. He was brilliant in both games. You wouldn’t have known he was fatigued and feeling tightness in his calf. Fingers crossed no ill effects (from Tuesday).”
Good news on Pope, Wilson and Krafth
There was also positive news shared by Howe on three players who’ve been absent over the last month, with Nick Pope, Callum Wilson and Emil Krafth all closing in on comebacks.
Howe on Pope – “He hasn’t trained with the group yet but that’s because we haven’t had a large amount of training days lately. He’s done 1 on 1s with the coaches, diving, kicking, a lot. He just needs a bit longer until he’s strong enough to play.”
Howe on Wilson – Callum is on the grass today. Not training with the first team. He’s making good progress. We’re very pleased with him. Such a difficult situation for him. He didn’t feel right after the game against Brentford and the scan showed a bigger problem than he felt – and it’s meant weeks on the sidelines.”
On Krafth, the Swede is back in training and expected to feature on Sunday after recovering from a broken collarbone.
Howe hints at changes
Howe feels we have several “very good players” who are “desperate” to play and show what they can do, with the likes of Lewis Miley, Will Osula, Harvey Barnes and Lloyd Kelly expected to start.
“We knew going into the Arsenal game the lads that had played the majority of the minutes were in a good place mentally but physically they were a little bit tired.
“We knew we would have to rotate our squad but we’ve got very good players that are desperate to play and desperate to show their qualities.
“It’s a good game for them to showcase those qualities but also we have to get through so we have to pick a strong enough squad.”
