After receiving criticism from Newcastle United supporters, Eddie Howe disclosed that the midfield player isn’t 100% fit.
Eddie Howe backed Sean Longstaff, the Newcastle United midfielder who has been playing through injury after his recent performance drew criticism.
Howe claims that Longstaff is still dealing with the consequences of the foot injury he received in the 4-1 victory against Everton less than a year ago. The 26-year-old received an injection last week so he could play in Monday’s 3-2 loss to Chelsea.
Longstaff has started every game since making a comeback from an ankle injury that kept him out for four games in December, but Magpies supporters have progressively seen a decline in his play. Howe, however, has stood up for Longstaff and said that he is playing with an injury for the team’s advantage.
“An ongoing foot issue since Everton at the end of last season has disrupted Sean’s ability to train regularly and get his best rhythm,” Howe disclosed.
“He trained late last week after receiving an injection (to play), which is never easy for a player whose training schedule is interfered with.
Sean is a tremendously essential player because of his exceptional game intelligence and grasp of what we need from him. He has had some really nice games for us this season. Because I am confident in his abilities, I support him.
“He’s integral to us when he’s at his very best but I do think he needs to train regularly to get his best rhythm.”
Only one of the 17 games that Longstaff has started has he not finished the entire game. “Because we’ve had no other midfielders to play,” a fiery Howe responded when asked if that was the best strategy for the player and the squad.
“During this time, I would have definitely rested Sean, but I also have to take care of Lewy [Miley], who is 17 years old. I have no one else to play with because Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson haven’t been available.”
Does Longstaff require a break, then? “He would probably say no because every player wants to play,” responded Howe. “Every player wants to claim they are able to play, but if I were a manager, I would have taken care of him. He deserves recognition for playing despite pain even though he hasn’t been fully healthy.”
On Saturday night, when Newcastle plays Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals, Longstaff is probably going to stay in the starting lineup.
