Key Newcastle injuries concern Eddie Howe before ‘dangerous’ Chelsea clash

LONDON – The availability of several key Newcastle United players remains in question as manager Eddie Howe tries to field the best possible side for the League Cup quarter-final against Chelsea on Dec 19.

Defender Fabian Schar and midfielder Joelinton, injured during Newcastle’s English Premier League 3-0 win over Fulham on Dec 16, had scans that didn’t seem “too bad” but were not a certainty, Howe said on Dec 18.

“To miss Fabby would be a big blow,” he said, referring to Schar.

Forward Alexander Isak also missed the Dec 16 match with a groin injury but it was not too serious, Howe added.

“We need to treat him carefully to make sure he isn’t out for six or seven weeks. He has a chance for tomorrow but we need to be careful,” the Englishman said.

However, one major boost for Newcastle was centre-back Sven Botman’s return from a three-month injury lay-off.

“There are certain players who lift the team in particular and Sven is one of those. He gives players confidence around him and makes a big difference,” Howe added.

The Magpies have never won the League Cup, finishing as runners-up in 1976

and last season.

However, Howe believed their experience of getting to Wembley in February has helped them this campaign.

“We’ve seen the rewards you can get from it. The build up to the final was a brilliant thing to be part of... it was incredible to see how many fans we took to London. It’s helped us this year,” he said.

Chelsea have more pedigree in the competition, having won the League Cup five times, most recently in 2015.

They have struggled this season, though their home form has vastly improved since the start of November.

However, Howe was confident Newcastle could end their five-match winless streak in away matches in all competitions.

“We beat Manchester United away and were seconds away from beating Paris (Saint-Germain). I don’t doubt our character. We’re certainly up for the fight,” he said.

While Chelsea have a trophy-winning history, their manager Mauricio Pochettino does not, having missed out on silverware several times while in charge of Tottenham Hotspur from 2014 to 2019.

In fact, when Chelsea won the 2015 League Cup, they beat Pochettino’s Tottenham. The Argentinian also took Spurs close to winning the Premier League, to the Champions League final and back-to-back FA Cup semi-finals.

“Of course, I want to win a trophy here in England. I want to lift a trophy now in this competition because it is important,” said Pochettino, when asked whether the League Cup had become more significant this season, given Chelsea’s mid-table position in the Premier League.

“It means a lot because we want to deliver the job for our club. Delivering a trophy, the most important thing is to win. It’s difficult to measure, it is a priority.

“It’s in our mind, our objective, we need to be ready tomorrow to be closer to winning a title. My desire is to win.” REUTERS