Eddie Howe has dismissed suggestions that his Newcastle United needs major surgery in the January window – despite the Magpies slipping away from top four contention.
Two defeats in four days see Newcastle seven points outside the top four and having suffered six defeats already in the Premier League, United now have a worse record on that score than the whole of last term. But Howe insists he can’t make decisions on recruitment yet even though the window swings open for business in 21 days time
Howe, who welcomed back Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson back to the fold at Spurs, told Chronicle Live: “We need to assess the squad. So at Tottenham, we had two players back and that gives the squad a different complexion.
“And if we get more back that will add real options to my decision making in terms of who I play. So January still at the moment is unclear.”
Getting back Harvey Barnes would be a major boost but while Howe has seen the £38million man make good progress with a foot injury, it doesn’t look like he will be back in contention for the crucial Group F encounter with AC Milan on Wednesday. Howe said: “He is not currently one of the closest players to return.”
Newcastle fans still applauded their team off after one of their worst performances of the campaign in London. Howe underlined the importance of needing them against Milan to roar them into the last 16 or at least book a Europa League spot.
He said: “We’ll need the crowd. “These have been two tough experiences (Spurs and Everton) and you have seen how the crowd can affect things. We have seen it countless times at St James’ Park. And we will need that in our favour this time.”
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