Eddie Howe shares worrying fitness update about ‘really important’ Newcastle man

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Eddie Howe gave an update on Sean Longstaff’s foot injury in the wake of the defeat to Arsenal, and it wasn’t good news.

Sean Longstaff hobbled off with an injured foot in Newcastle‘s 4-1 win over Everton after initially trying to play through the pain. He was sent for a scan as there were suspicions that he’d broken something in his foot but the scans showed now break.

With the injury now believed to be a bruise, there was hope that Longstaff would have been fit enough to face Arsenal but when the team sheet was released, Longstaff’s name was missing from the squad.

Sean Longstaff has been rested on advice of a specialist

Speaking after the game, Eddie Howe confirmed that the 25-year-old was being sent for more scans as they weren’t sure exactly what the nature of the injury is. The Chronicle reported Howe saying: “I certainly hope we will see Sean again this season, but on the specialist’s advice, he’s going to see a specialist on Tuesday to get it double checked.

“I won’t go into the technicalities, but whereas we thought it was quite a standard injury, a bruise, now there may be a chance it’s something a bit more serious than that. We’re in the dark at the moment.”

Newcastle certainly seem to miss Longstaff in that midfield. His presence provides a bit of extra safety for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Joelinton to support the attack and without that, Newcastle often look a bit unsure of themselves.

Eddie Howe has hailed the importance of Sean Longstaff

Howe made mention of it too saying that Longstaff brings balance to the midfield: “Sean’s been an integral part of our midfield, and I think when you take him out, we lose a bit of balance. I think the balance of the team has been so impressive, and Sean does a really important job both in and out of possession for us.”

Obviously Newcastle are far from a one-man team, but it’s clear that a lot of Newcastle’s success this season has come from a settled starting line-up as the core of the squad have developed a great understanding on the pitch. That’s why Howe has been reluctant to change things up too much.

Hopefully the next set of scans will allay our fears and Longstaff will make it back into contention before the end of the season.