Eddie Howe says he would have benched 26-year-old Newcastle player if he had more options

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Whatever way you look at it, there is little point in denying Newcastle United have struggled on the fitness front this season.

Whether or not that and the fatigue relying on so few players subsequently causes is enough to suggest is the sole reason for a frustrating season for Newcastle is up for debate.

Still, it’s even been noted upon by other managers, including Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Clearly, that doesn’t excuse those who have played poorly. It does, however, at least offer some context.

In fact, Eddie Howe was at pains to point that out during Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup trip to Manchester City on Saturday evening.

Asked about midfielder Sean Longstaff, Howe roared into defending the 26-year-old.

Sean Longstaff: Eddie Howe latest on Newcastle midfielder

As per Keith Downie of Sky Sports on X (formerly Twitter), Howe was asked about recent criticism of Longstaff.

He reminded people the midfielder is currently playing through an injury, pulling himself to keep going in light of so many absences elsewhere. With so few other options available, he’s had to consistently play even if Howe would have rested him in an ideal world.

“I’ve had no other midfielders to play,” he said.

“I would have rested Sean for sure. I’ve got to look after Lewis (Miley), he’s only 17. [Elliot] Anderson hasn’t been available, Sandro [Tonali] hasn’t been available. I’ve had nobody else to pick.

“Sean would probably say he doesn’t need a rest but I would have managed him and looked after him [if I could] because he’s not been 100% fit and has played through pain for the team and that deserves acknowledgment.

“Sean needs to train regularly and that’s been disrupted due to an ongoing foot problem since Everton at the end of last season. “

“Last week he had an injection [to play] and trained late in the week.

“He’s had some really, really, good games for us this season and he’s a really important player for his game intelligence. He’s integral to us when he’s at his best. I back him and his ability.”

Sean Longstaff: Newcastle star can still be a useful squad member

In an ideal world, Newcastle would be able to field Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock in midfield on a rotation basis, with the likes of Longstaff, Lewis Miley and even Elliot Anderson filling in.

However, for various reasons, that just hasn’t been able to happen.

Longstaff is valued by Howe and has certainly shown he is capable at times. Whether or not he is of the quality required to keep a team in the top four as a regular in the team is doubtful but, when everyone is fit and available, Newcastle don’t really need him to be.

As a squad option, Longstaff can have a place next season. If he’s regularly starting, however, he may well encounter the same type of criticism.