Eddie Howe will take his Newcastle United team to Leeds United today, but will be without Sean Longstaff.
The Newcastle boss has confirmed that Longstaff will miss a third game in a row after picking up an ankle injury in the win over Everton.
The 25-year-old has not been seen since, and there have been mixed reports about his fitness. There was a chance he could have returned against Arsenal, while there have also been claims that his season could be over.
It is mixed messages aplenty when it comes to Longstaff’s return, and now Howe has done his best to clear things up – although he still does not know when the midfielder will be fit to play for the Magpies again.
Eddie Howe does not know when Sean Longstaff will return
Howe has spoke to the media ahead of the game against Leeds, and provided an update on Longstaff’s ongoing ankle problem. He was a doubt for the game, and has now been ruled out.
“He went to see a specialist,” he said.
“There are a few concerns about some structural damage in his foot. There wasn’t, which is good news, but there is a bit of damage to one of the ligaments, so he’s being rescanned today which we hope will show an improvement.
“It’s slightly unclear when he’ll be back, but it’s not a long term issue at all. It’s whether we can get him back before the end of the season. It’s slightly unknown. We could see him as early as next week if he improves quickly, we might not see him at all (this season), it’s unknown. There’s no serious injury, it’s just time and letting that ligament heal.”
Howe added: “We’ve missed him a lot. He goes under the radar in terms of what he gives the team tactically, technically and physically. He’s a high level player and he has a really good football brain, so we’ve missed those qualities.
“As always you have to adapt when someone is missing and I believe we have the players to cover.”
Big miss for Newcastle
At such a pivotal stage of the season, it is a massive blow to lose Longstaff. His absence wasn’t felt against Southampton, but it certainly was last time out in the defeat to Arsenal.
With the local lad ruled out, it is likely that Howe will go with Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in midfield at Elland Road. They will hope to dominate proceedings against Leeds, and prove that they can function with Longstaff.
Howe is absolutely right with his praise for Longstaff. He really does go ‘under the radar’ at times, but you notice the work he does when he is not there. He has enjoyed a remarkable season, and is probably a candidate for Newcastle’s player of the season.
But whether we see him play again remains to be seen. Newcastle are looking to get over the line and qualify for the Champions League, and there is a chance they might have to do it without Longstaff.
It is a blow, but one that will hopefully not define the Magpies’ season.
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