Eddie Howe now admits he did not want to play £40m Newcastle player for as long as he did vs Nottingham Forest

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Injuries continue to cause problems for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.

The Magpies won on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup, with Newcastle beating Nottingham Forest on penalties to advance to the third round of the competition.

However, the victory came at a price for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe.

Joe Willock started the game, and was on the scoresheet within the first minute. He scored after 18 seconds, getting a tap in as he followed in Alexander Isak’s saved shot.

It was a great moment for Willock, but his joy was short lived. The 25-year-old was forced off in the 14th minute, with a thigh issue meaning he was unable to carry on.

He was replaced by Bruno Guimaraes, who had initially been given a rest by Eddie Howe for the Carabao Cup clash at the City Ground.

Eddie Howe did not want to bring Bruno Guimaraes on so early

But Willock’s issue meant that Bruno had to come on much earlier than anticipated, with Howe admitting after the game that he had wanted to ‘protect’ his £40million captain.

Following the win over Forest, Howe spoke to NUFC TV about picking a strong team for the Carabao Cup contest.

“We’re determined to do well and to do well you have to name good teams,” he said.

“We are aware, of course, of the game on Sunday, and we had to protect some players. I wanted to protect Bruno a bit more than I was able to.

“Joe picked up an injury – it’s terrible luck for Joe, but I don’t know how bad it is. It was enough to take him off the pitch. That was a huge blow for us, and it actually knocked our rhythm.”

Devastating to lose Joe Willock to injury

While bringing Bruno on actually made the Newcastle team stronger, it was such a blow to lose Willock.

It was his first start of the season, and he had kicked it off perfectly. Given what happened last season, that goal would have been a brilliant moment.

However, celebrations turned to despair shortly after. You could see how upset Willock was when he was forced off, and the hope is that it is not a major injury.

After enduring so many problems last season then working so hard to return to fitness, it is agonising to see Willock pick up another problem. Given how much football he missed last season, Willock is seen as a new signing at Newcastle, so to lose him so soon is gutting.

Everyone associated with Newcastle United will have everything crossed that it is not a major issue and that he is able to return very soon.