Howe Provides Fitness Updates on Isak, Gordon, and Willock, Previews Arsenal Match

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe addressed reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal, scheduled for a 12:30 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference: Howe stated that Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon both “feel OK”; however, the club plans to evaluate their condition and determine their readiness for Saturday’s match on Friday. Regarding Callum Wilson’s fitness: “Callum is doing OK, he’s building his load again. There was no real injury but just a feeling in his body that he couldn’t push as hard as he wanted. We’ll see how he is but probably with the two-week gap it’s best to leave it.” He expressed a preference for having “decisions and options” to rotate the team, noting that “last year we had none”. Howe further commented: “The injury list is still not perfect but certainly better than at times last year.” Addressing the backing from the home supporters: “The environment again was second to none. It was a sell out [against Chelsea], it was a really good feeling. I can’t thank the supporters enough for that. There was no hangover from recent results, it was really good and that helped us massively.” The Newcastle manager conveyed he was “really pleased” with the team’s reaction on Wednesday evening, and stated: “Winning always makes you feel better about everything.” Howe commented that Joe Willock has experienced a “tough time”: “It’s not been a straight road back, lots of frustrating moments where he hasn’t been able to push on. Wednesday was probably his best game in a while where he has looked physically good. To go from box to box, having a sense where the ball is going to arrive in the box – that is Joe at his best. Really pleased to see it because he has been big miss for us.” Regarding the reintroduction of ‘dark arts’ into his team: “That is related to winning games. Everything is different when leading to chasing games. We were in that [leading] position a lot last season, not so much this season, so you when chasing you end up being the reacting team. We don’t want to be in that position, we want to be in control. But whatever it takes to win games, I am a firm believer in that.” Concerning the Arsenal challenge: “Every game is very difficult. Chelsea still put out an exceptional team on Wednesday. This is a Premier League game, a different test. They have their qualities, they have a really solid look about the team. Very good from set plays and a solid team and we have to be prepared for that test.”