Howe discusses Livramento's injury, Gordon's fitness, and the squad's battle for form ahead of the Arsenal clash.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has faced the press in his pre-match press conference for the clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at 5:30pm live on Sky Sports.
In the press conference, Eddie Howe confirmed that Tino Livramento is going to miss the Arsenal game, and whilst the injury is not thought to be bad, it is not known yet if he will play again this season. Anthony Gordon still has not trained, but there is hope that he will be fit to play next weekend when Newcastle host Brighton at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe also opened up about the pain the squad is feeling during the period of poor form, admitting it has been a difficult period but that they are determined to put this right and win as many games as they can. He also said, "We've prided ourselves historically on if we lose a game, fighting to the end and giving everything to try and get a result. I feel the players are currently at the moment maybe lacking in a little bit of confidence - we've lost a bit of our normal regular flow and rhythm that we've had.”
It is only through hard work and a really good period of training with the playing staying very stable mentally that will change the poor form. The team need to work on rediscovering and enjoying their football and find their best form again.
A shutdown by Eddie Howe came when local reporter Lee Ryder asked him if Anthony Gordon’s injury was just a coincidence given the transfer speculation. A response from Howe shut it down, “Anthony is 100% injured, so that puts an end to that”.
In positive news, Bruno Guimarães has trained all week after his cameo against Bournemouth, in which signs were clear that he was not at full match fitness. Howe says he has trained well and that he’s been pleased with him this week.
Eddie Howe also went on to talk about Bruno Guimarães’s importance to Newcastle: “He was playing with heart, spirit, and determination, and the week he's had this week will serve him really well. He's such an important player for us on so many levels, and of course, we're keen to get him on the pitch as quickly as possible. I've just got to make sure it's not to his detriment.
"It's been great to have him back around the group though - he's such a positive person, and he can only help and inspire the players around him."