Eddie Howe explains why Elliot Anderson missed Newcastle’s win over Bournemouth

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Elliot Anderson missed Newcastle United’s game against Bournemouth on Tuesday night, and Eddie Howe has now explained why.

The young midfielder has played an important part in the Magpies’ Carabao Cup journey this season. Before the Bournemouth game, he had started in the previous two rounds against Tranmere Rovers and Crystal Palace.

But he was nowhere to be seen against Bournemouth, with Howe putting out his strongest possible team. It included the likes of Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes, who were making their first starts in the League Cup this season.

It was a decision that paid off, with Newcastle making it through to the quarter finals.

Anderson was conspicuous by his absence, however, and Howe has explained that it was due to injury.

Howe on why Anderson didn’t play for Newcastle against Bournemouth

After the game, the Newcastle manager spoke to the Chronicle. He explained why Anderson wasn’t in the squad that beat Gary O’Neil’s side.

“Elliot is working back to fitness,” Howe said.

“He’s had a couple of niggles behind the scenes so he’s doing some fitness work at the moment to make sure he’s fully fit.”

Loan move could be good for Anderson – he needs game time

Before the game, Howe admitted that he did not have a fully fit squad. However, it was unclear who he was referring to, with various players missing the friendly against Rayo Vallecano.

Now it appears that Anderson is one of the players who Howe was alluding to. That will have been a great shame for the 20-year-old, who has impressed in the League Cup this season.

It is the only competition where Anderson has been afforded decent minutes, with the academy product yet to be handed his first ever Premier League start.

He has impressed off the bench in the league, but opportunities have been limited. And the Chronicle add that he could be loaned out in January.

That could be a good idea, as he looks to continue his development from youth star to first team player.

Howe decided to keep Anderson at St James’ Park during the summer after a wonderful pre-season. But with Newcastle playing incredibly well this season, minutes could soon be few and far between for the talented midfielder.

Therefore, it could be wise to send him out on loan – preferably to the Championship.

A temporary spell at Bristol Rovers worked wonders for Anderson last season, and a similar move in 2023 could be exactly what he needs.