Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on two his midfielders ahead of the game against Crystal Palace.
The Magpies head to Selhurst Park on Wednesday night, and will be feeling fresh after over a week without playing. They should also be full of confidence too following that incredible 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
But injury problems will continue to limit Eddie Howe‘s options, as he prepares to take on Crystal Palace with largely the same squad that he had against Spurs.
The likes of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles will be absent, after suffering respective ACL injuries that could end up ruling them out for the rest of 2024.
And they are not the only Newcastle United players who are not going to play a single minute between now and thee end of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Eddie Howe shares disappointing injury update on two Newcastle United players
Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Crystal Palace, and provided details of two players who are now ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury.
The first is Joe Willock, who continues to suffer from an Achilles problem that has completely ruined his entire campaign.
“We have decided that a period where he strengthens the area around his Achilles will benefit him more,” he said.
“The long-term view was taken, we will get him right for next season. Surgery wouldn’t be beneficial for him in this situation. It is frustrating for Joe, but hopefully we can get to the situation where he is playing freely next season.”
Bad news regarding Lewis Miley too
Howe has also spoke about Lewis Miley, who has missed the Magpies’ last four games with a back injury.
“The decision was made on Lewis to protect him long-term,” he said.
“We won’t see Lewis again this season. Even if there was a chance, we took that away quite early on with his age, we are just thinking about his long-term prospect.”
Sensible decision by Newcastle United
While it is a blow to lose two more players to season-ending injuries, it is the correct decision.
The club are looking at the bigger picture, ensuring that both Willock and Miley can fully get over their injuries and be ready for the 2024/25 season.
With regards to both players, it is the correct call. Willock has endured such a frustrating season, and he needs this period of rest to get over the Achilles problem. And it will be just rest, with Howe stating that the 24-year-old will not undergo surgery.
As for Miley, it is also right to err on the side of caution. He is only 17-years-old and his body is still developing, so forcing him to play through the pain and go the extra mile would be a huge mistake. It could have a long term effect on his career, which is not what you want for a generational talent like him.
Howe is doing right by Miley and protecting him, even though he has been outstanding during his breakthrough year. It has been great to watch the teenager shine in this Newcastle United team, especially up against some of the star names he has been forced to face.
Miley always held his own, and it is clear that he has a very bright future at St James’ Park. And that is part of the reason why he will not feature in our final six games – it simply is not worth the risk.
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