Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday’s Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
- Howe does not think Anthony Gordon’s injury is serious but says it is likely he will miss out on Sunday. He says Will Osula’s injury is also not serious but that he could be out for a few weeks.
- On Yoane Wissa, the Newcastle boss said his knee is “feeling good” and that it is now a case of looking at his fitness and sharpness. Howe says the timescale is unclear but he is sure the striker “will be worth the wait”.
- He added: “The only frustration with this injury is that we haven’t seen him, he wasn’t with us when he did it so that has been difficult.”
- Howe says Sandro Tonali has been “very honest” in his comments regarding the future and that “none of us can make massive statements about the future because life is so unpredictable and football certainly”.
- The Newcastle boss added: “He is happy – that’s the key thing – and enjoying his football. I see a player that is happy, feels fulfilled, happy in the team, with his team-mates, the environment. He loves it here in Newcastle. Our challenge is to keep providing him that environment, his job is to keep playing well.”
- Howe says Sunday’s game at Brentford is an opportunity to “showcase” that they can deliver away from home: “I know there’s pressure on us. I know our away form hasn’t been good enough, but we are determined to try and put that right. “
Follow all of Friday’s Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day’s football news
How to follow the Premier League on the BBC this weekend
