Howe on Livramento injury and 'disappointing' Palace defeat
- Published
Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Sheffield United.
Here are the key lines from the Newcastle boss:
It will be a late decision on whether full-back Tino Livramento can play on Saturday due to "a slight reaction in his ankle" from the Tottenham game.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope is "getting closer" to a matchday return and Miguel Almiron is expected back next week.
On Callum Wilson's return against Crystal Palace: "I thought he looked good and worked well with the lads around him. He had a couple of dangerous moments, that was a positive from Wednesday."
He said the defeat to Palace "was disappointing" and their "first dip in a while" after some strong performances.
On struggling to find consistency this season: "It is a season where we have learned a lot and we will be in a much better place next year. It will set a marker in how we want to play and use that as a foundation for next year."
He described opponents Sheffield United as "competitive" with "their progressive formation being their biggest strength".
He said all the teams around Newcastle are "searching for a formula and momentum lift" as the battle for a European spot continues.
On Matt Ritchie passing his HGV test: "It is a bizarre one! That shocked me and I thought I knew him pretty well. It shows his inquisitive nature."
