Eddie Howe has called for ‘calmness’ from Newcastle as the club look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal.
Newcastle’s hopes of a top four finish suffered a blow after a 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal last weekend, with fifth-placed Liverpool having moved within three points of the Magpies having played a game more.
Howe’s side travel to face relegation-threatened Leeds in the Premier League this weekend and the Newcastle boss has called on his squad to remain calm and not overreact to last week’s setback at St James’ Park.
“It’s about calmness and not overreacting [to Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal],” Howe said at his pre-match press conference.
“But it is also about making sure players understand how different this game will be to others we have had recently. It will be more similar to the Everton game [which Newcastle won 4-1], I think.”
Newcastle are set to be without Sean Longstaff for the trip to Leeds with the midfielder to undergo a scan on a foot issue on Friday.
“He went to see a specialist. There were a few concerns that there was maybe some sort of structural damage in his foot.
“There wasn’t, which was good news, but there is a bit of damage to one of the ligaments. He’s being re-scanned today, which we hope will show an improvement.
“It’s slightly unclear when he’ll be back but it’s not a long-term issue at all. It’s whether we can get him back before the end of the season. We’ve missed him a lot.
“I’ve always said this season he goes under the radar in terms of what he gives to the team tactically, technically and physically. He’s a high-level player and he’s got a really good football brain, so we’ve missed those qualities that he has. But, as always, you have to adapt when someone is missing and I believe we have the players to cover.”
