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Eddie Howe pleased to have to deal with selection headaches after Newcastle injury problems

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Image for Eddie Howe pleased to have to deal with selection headaches after Newcastle injury problems

Eddie Howe is welcoming the selection headaches as Newcastle United start to come through their mini injury crisis. 

What’s the latest Newcastle United news?

Callum Wilson made his return to the side for the win at Fulham, while Bruno Guimaraes started even despite leaving the Brazil camp early due to fitness concerns. The two are undoubtedly some of Howe’s most key players, while there is also good news regarding Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Frenchman could be in contention for Saturday’s meeting with Brentford, where it is hoped Joelinton will be fit play after remaining on the bench at Craven Cottage after the Brazilian picked up a knock during the draw with Bournemouth.

Jonjo Shelvey, meanwhile, is reportedly making good progress on the hamstring injury to have prevented him from playing all season and Howe did sound hopeful that Alexander Isak’s problem was not a long-term one before the Fulham game.

Indeed, perhaps Newcastle are finally edging closer to fielding all of their key players at once.

What has Howe said of players returning?

Speaking to the Shields Gazette, the head coach said: “I’d prefer those headaches to the ones I’ve had.

“The headaches when your hands are forced, and you’re losing your tactical flexibility, aren’t healthy or helpful. I’d much prefer the headaches of having to leave players out. They do bring different problems, but, I think, those are the ones you want as a manager.”

joe-willock-playing-for-newcastle-united-against-fulham-premier-league-2022

Where are the headaches?

While Isak seems certain to miss the Brentford game, Miguel Almiron’s form of late must give Howe something to think about. Arguably playing the best football of his Newcastle career, one of Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin or Isak will have to miss out when all are fit.

With Joelinton potentially back for the weekend, a decision must be made in central midfield. Guimaraes has admitted he prefers to play in a box-to-box role and granting him that wish would surely dislodge Joe Willock, who impressed in south west London.

Still, these are obviously good problems to have, particularly given a frustrating to the season on the injury front.

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