Boss delighted at Howe his squad coped with loss of key players
EDDIE Howe feels Newcastle United’s squad strength shone through during long-term lay-offs for stars like Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson.
The duo have missed a large chunk of action in 2022 with foot and calf issues respectively but could be back in the squad for the trip to Manchester City on Sunday.
Howe has watched Wilson train for most of the week, while Trippier has also been back with his team-mates on the grass.
Howe said: “It says a lot about the quality of the squad, the unity of the squad, because whenever you lose key players there is a damage psychologically to the group to say ‘Can we cope without them?’
“Then there are question marks, whether other players can step up and fill the void.
“The great thing is from our perspective we have. We have a group which has really stepped up and everyone has given more and we have been very consistent in that, so it is been great to see.”
Howe has a tough decision to make in his attack. Chris Wood has started the last two matches on the bench with Allan Saint-maximin starting out of position and ahead of the £25million striker.
With Wilson back it means Dwight Gayle will be watching on to see if and where he is used against City.