Newcastle United faces a potential setback ahead of their League Cup quarterfinal clash with Chelsea on Tuesday, with key players Fabian Schar and Joelinton nursing injuries sustained in the recent victory over Fulham. Manager Eddie Howe is working to assemble the strongest possible team for the crucial encounter.
In a press conference on Monday, Howe provided updates on Schar and Joelinton, noting that while scans didn’t reveal anything “too bad,” their availability remained uncertain. Expressing the significance of potentially missing Schar, Howe stated, “To miss Fabby would be a big blow.”
Additionally, striker Alexander Isak sat out the Fulham game due to a groin injury, but Howe conveyed optimism about his condition. “He needs careful care so he doesn’t miss six or seven weeks of work,” said Howe, highlighting the need for caution. Isak has a chance of featuring in Tuesday’s match.
Despite these concerns, Newcastle received a significant boost with the return of center-back Sven Botman, who recovered from a three-month knee injury. Howe praised Botman, emphasizing his positive impact on the team and instilling trust among players.
Reflecting on Newcastle’s League Cup history, Howe acknowledged the club’s runner-up finishes in 1976 and 2017 but expressed confidence in the current campaign. Having experienced a Wembley final in February, Howe believes it will benefit the team this year.
While Chelsea boasts a successful history in the League Cup, winning it five times (most recently in 2015), Howe remains optimistic about Newcastle’s chances. Despite a challenging season, Chelsea has improved its home performances since October. However, Howe believes Newcastle can overcome their five-game road losing streak, citing victories against Manchester United and a competitive match against Paris St. Germain as evidence of the team’s resilience.
“We beat Manchester United on the road and were almost able to beat Paris St. Germain. I have no doubts about who we are. We’re ready to fight,” asserted Howe, instilling confidence in Newcastle’s ability to compete against formidable opponents.
As the League Cup quarterfinal looms, Newcastle faces a delicate balance of injury concerns and the determination to progress in a competition where they seek to make history and secure a coveted title.
