Eddie Howe provides Newcastle United injury update following 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in Champions League

The Magpies opened their UCL campaign with a defeat.

Newcastle United had a night to forget as they began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Barcelona. Manager Eddie Howe has provided some injury updates.

Eddie Howe’s team produced a great number of opportunities and were a persistent threat on their Champions League campaign opening day. However, Rashford – the first Englishman to score for Barcelona in Europe since 1989 – was the game-changing player.

Before ‘motivated’ Rashford stole the headlines with two goals, nine minutes apart, of breathtaking quality, serving as an appropriate reminder of his value and Barcelona’s European credentials, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes both squandered their opportunities. They failed to capitalise on any of Anthony Elanga’s numerous deliveries.

Eddie Howe’s post-match comments on the player’s update

After the UCL game, Howe was met with many questions and was asked about the Newcastle players’ injuries and why the new signing Nick Woltemade didn’t start.

On Fabian Schar, who was replaced after being hit by Rashford’s powerful shot during the game. The head coach said: “With Schar, I’ve not really seen him and had any confirmation on how he is.”

On the decision not to start Nick Woltemade:

“It was a really difficult one for Nick. Of course, any player would want to start every game, but I have to try to manage him into the team. [I need to] make sure he stays fit, and that was always at the heart of this decision, knowing that we have Anthony (Gordon) suspended for the next game as well.”

Meanwhile, Jacob Murphy continues to manage an ongoing issue.

“He is nursing an Achilles problem, and we just want to keep the majority of the squad as fit and healthy for as long as possible.”

Eddie Howe on Yoane Wissa’s injury status

“Unfortunately we think he will be out until the next international break. He’s sort of got a race on to be fit for that Brighton game. Hopefully he can make it.”

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