Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has barely been able to rotate for a couple of months now, and that is something he is very aware of.
The Magpies’ injury problems have meant that Eddie Howe has relentlessly had to pick the same 11 players, and they have often had to play the entire 90 minutes.
It has been gruelling for the Newcastle United players, and quite the baptism of fire for Lewis Miley.
The 17-year-old, who has just signed a new contract, has been asked to go above and beyond since being thrust into the team.
Fans were excited to see what he could do after excelling in pre-season, but no one expected him to play as much as he has.
Miley has made 17 senior appearances this season, 14 of which have been starts.
Howe has been forced to rely on the teenager, and he has admitted that he is very wary about how much football Miley is being asked to play.
Eddie Howe wishes he didn’t have to play Lewis Miley so much
Howe spoke to the media ahead of Newcastle’s game against Aston Villa, and discussed the Magpies’ need for midfield reinforcements.
“We’re lacking in numbers [in midfield],” he said.
“I think that’s clear.
“It’s putting a high demand on Lewy. I don’t really want to be in a position where I have to pick him every week. With his age, I’ve got to be careful with how much load he’s exposed to. That’s always in the back of my mind.”
Newcastle teenager is at risk of burning out
While Howe is very worried about playing Miley too much, he hasn’t really got any choice at the moment. Miley is one of three fit midfielders right now, alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff.
Joelinton and Sandro Tonali are out for the season, while Joe Willock is getting closer to a return but remains absent.
That is why Miley is having to play so much, and why Newcastle are looking to sign someone before the transfer window closes on Thursday night.
Jacob Ramsey is the latest target, but Unai Emery has made it clear that he does not want to sell the 22-year-old this month.
Newcastle will have to look elsewhere, while Miley will simply have to keep on playing.
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