Eddie Howe Discusses Injury Updates, Wilson’s Positivity, and Schar’s Future

Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, addressed reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, scheduled for a 15:00 GMT kick-off. Below are the main points from his press conference. Howe stated that Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes sustained injuries during the match against West Ham. However, he clarified that neither injury is “serious,” and both players possess “a chance” of participating in Saturday’s game. Addressing whether he “read the riot act” to his players following their loss to the Hammers, Howe responded: “Firstly, from personal view point, you can never underestimate opposition… The second goal floored us which was a surprising reaction. First thing you look at is the attitude of players, the key clues to how players are mentally going into a game and they were pretty good. So no riot act but lots of analysis since.” Regarding Bruno Guimaraes’s emotional state after the outcome, Howe commented: “Mentally Bruno has been strong. He’s had a lot to cope with. You can never underestimate the pressure of playing for a country like Brazil. He’s got a big demand on him but he relishes the demands of being captain… Games like Monday are a great test of his leadership.” Howe expressed his view that Monday’s match represented “an opportunity missed,” but noted that the “league is tight” and the upcoming Crystal Palace encounter presents “another test of our mentality.” When asked about Callum Wilson’s experience following his extended period out due to injury, Howe stated: “It is difficult, naturally every sportsman wants to execute what they are paid and love to do. He loves to scores goals. In training he has a brilliant mentality to do that. When you can’t do that because of your body it is frustrating.” Howe further remarked: “He always comes in with smile on his face and is positive, almost acting to degree, because he knows the impact he has on squad. Big moment for him now. We want him to stay fit, he wants to stay fit and we know qualities he has for us.” Given that Wilson’s current contract concludes at the season’s end, Howe indicated that the forward “has loads of incentives internally built within him.” However, Howe believes that discussions about a new agreement “will be in the back part of his brain because he will be focusing on the here and now and doing things that can affect his long-term future for the positive.” Addressing Fabian Schar’s future with the club, Howe commented: “He has been sensational. He is integral to what we are doing. His use of the ball, technical qualities and how he defends have been very strong strong. He is an important player and we would love to keep him.”