NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe speaks during the Newcastle United Press Conference at The Newcastle United Training Centre on October 18, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Before the match against Crystal Palace, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe gave an update on the status of two of his midfield players’ injuries.
After going more than a week without a game, the Magpies will be rejuvenated when they visit Selhurst Park on Wednesday night. In addition, they ought to be brimming with confidence after their thrilling 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Eddie Howe’s options will remain limited due to injury concerns as he gets ready to play Crystal Palace using a lineup that is essentially unchanged from the one he used against Spurs.
Players like Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, who may be out for the all of 2024 due to their individual ACL injuries, will not be participating.
Furthermore, between now and the conclusion of the 2023–24 Premier League season, these players will not be the only ones from Newcastle United to not play a single minute.
Eddie Howe provides a depressing report on two Newcastle United players’ injuries.
In remarks to the media prior to Newcastle United’s match against Crystal Palace, Eddie Howe revealed the names of two players who will now be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign owing to injuries.
First up is Joe Willock, whose campaign has been utterly derailed by an Achilles injury that he still has.
He stated, “We have determined that he will benefit more from a period where he strengthens the area around his Achilles.”
We considered the big picture and will correct him in time for the upcoming season. In this case, surgery wouldn’t be helpful for him. Joe finds it annoying, but maybe next season we can get him into a position where he can play without restrictions.
There’s also bad news about Lewis Miley.
Lewis Miley, who has missed the Magpies’ previous four games due to a back ailment, has also been discussed by Howe.
“The choice was made to provide Lewis with long-term protection,” he stated.
Lewis won’t be around for this season. We eliminated that opportunity for him at a young age, even though there may have been one; right now, we are just considering his long-term prospects.
Sensible decision by Newcastle United
Even if it is unfortunate to lose two more players to injuries that may finish the season, this was the right move.
In order to ensure that Willock and Miley can fully recover from their injuries and be prepared for the 2024–2025 season, the club is keeping an eye on the big picture.
It’s the right call in terms of both players. After such a terrible season, Willock needs this time off to heal from his Achilles injury. And Howe says the 24-year-old won’t be having any surgery; it will just be rest.
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.
