Eddie Howe confirms ‘frustrated’ Newcastle player could actually feature next week

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There were not many positives to take from Newcastle United’s performance on Saturday.

A dreadful Newcastle United display saw them sink to seventh in the Premier League table, bringing Eddie Howe’s side crashing back down to earth after wins in both domestic cup competitions.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	Man CityManchester City	25	13	5	7	52	35	17	44
5	B’mouthBournemouth	25	12	7	6	44	29	15	43
6	ChelseaChelsea	25	12	7	6	47	34	13	43
7	NewcastleNewcastle	25	12	5	8	42	33	9	41
8	FulhamFulham	25	10	9	6	38	33	5	39
9	Aston VillaAston Villa	25	10	8	7	35	38	-3	38

Manchester City smashed Newcastle 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium and were made to look back to their very best by a passive display from Howe’s side.

Kieran Trippier was fuming with his teammates for their lack of pressing, albeit Trippier himself was blasted by Newcastle fans for his performance.

The hope will now be that Howe can get a reaction from his squad ahead of next weekend’s clash with Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.

Thankfully, the Newcastle United manager may have an extra weapon to deploy for that particular battle.

Eddie Howe confirms injury boost for Newcastle United

Indeed, Harvey Barnes returned to the bench for Newcastle after a muscle injury sustained in the FA Cup win over Bromley ruled him out of the last six games.

Howe was pleased with what he’s seen from Barnes in training, although the forward did not get on the pitch at the Etihad.

Still, Howe confirmed that the plan was to keep the forward on the bench unless there was an absolute emergency, while suggesting he could be involved in the Forest game next week.

“The plan for Harvey today was only to come on if it was an absolute emergency,” he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

“He’s still feeling his way back in but it was great to have him back. He’ll give us a big lift and hopefully he’ll be fit and raring to go for next week.”

• READ MORE: Who is Harvey Barnes? Profile, Girlfriend, Dad, Salary, Socials

Harvey Barnes frustrated at Newcastle United

Barnes is said to be frustrated by his lack of regular action at Newcastle since joining from Leicester, albeit the sheer number of games he’s missed through injury surely hasn’t helped his cause.

Still, the 27-year-old has made an impact. Indeed, five goals and one assist in just six Premier League starts this season is a very good record.

If Newcastle are going to balance preparations for the Carabao Cup final with a deep run in the FA Cup and improving their Premier League form, they need options like Barnes to help out.