‘We’ve really missed him’… Eddie Howe says Newcastle have struggled without £25m player this season

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Eddie Howe has had to deal with an endless stream of injuries at Newcastle United this season.

The Magpies have had so many problems throughout their squad. There has never been an occasion when Eddie Howe has been able to name his strongest team, and that continues to be the case.

Right now, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are out of action, and they are Newcastle’s two most deadly players in the final third.

But Howe also has problems in midfield, and they are problems that he has had for pretty much the entire campaign. Sandro Tonali remains suspended, while Joelinton looks like he is out for the season with injury.

Another player who Newcastle are missing is Joe Willock, and Howe has now explained why his absence has been so difficult as the 24-year-old edges closer to a return.

Eddie Howe is seriously missing ‘massive’ Joe Willock

Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Nottingham Forest, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about the continued absence of Willock and how it has hindered his side.

“He’s a massive player for us because he does have that athleticism,” he said.

“He does have that ability to score goals. He’s a driving force from midfield. I think we’ve really missed him.

“I think we’ve really missed Joelinton. But we’ve missed all our injured players because of the qualities they bring.

“But I think when you look at our midfield last year, we had a really good balance in there. Now that’s not a criticism of Lewy, Sean or Bruno, because they’ve all had individually brilliant seasons.

“But you’re gong to miss quality players like Joe and Joelinton.”

Newcastle midfielder is nearly back from injury

As Howe says, not having Willock for most of this season has been a massive issue. Combine that with Joelinton’s absence and it is a disaster.

Willock and Joelinton were huge parts of Newcastle’s success last season, dovetailing expertly down the left. But that is not something we have seen this season.

The former Arsenal midfielder is currently out of action with an Achilles problem, and has only managed to make six appearances all season.

However, that number will hopefully increase soon, with the £25million man getting closer to a return. Howe says that Willock is at the final stage of his rehab, so we may get to see him in a black and white shirt in the coming weeks.