After a busy week, Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United’s roster is looking ‘very decent’ ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Sheffield United.
While Emil Krafth recovers from an ACL injury, Newcastle will be without Joelinton and Joe Willock for the trip to Bramall Lane. The Magpies are coming off a 1-0 win against Brentford and a 0-0 tie at AC Milan in the Champions League.
Joelinton has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury while on international duty with Brazil, while Joe Willock has missed the start of the season due to hamstring and Achilles injuries.
Howe went on to suggest Joelinton could be back in time for the West Ham United trip before the international break while Willock is likely to be out for another month.
“We’re hoping with Joelinton he could be back sooner [than the international break],” Howe added. “But with Joe Willock will definitely be after the international break.”
By the time Willock returns, he will have been out of action for around five months since picking up his initial hamstring injury against Brighton & Hove Albion in May last season.
Howe later stated that goalkeeper Martin Dubravka missed the week’s trip to Milan due to illness.
Callum Wilson came on as a substitute in the second half at the San Siro on Tuesday night, but he has not practised with the first squad this week.
“With Callum, we always have to manage his workload,” Howe added. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a one-game week or a three-game week.”
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