Eddie Howe says he would bench 26-year-old Newcastle player if he had more options

Whatever your perspective, there is no denying Newcastle United has suffered with fitness this season.

It is debatable whether this, combined with the tiredness caused by relying on so few players, is the only cause of Newcastle’s miserable season.

Other managers, like Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, have taken note.

Clearly, this does not exonerate those who have performed poorly. It does, however, provide some context.

In fact, Eddie Howe made it clear during Friday’s pre-match news conference ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup encounter at Manchester City.

When asked about midfielder Sean Longstaff, Howe rushed to defend the 26-year-old.

Sean Longstaff: Eddie Howe latest on Newcastle midfielder

According to Keith Downie of Sky Sports on X (previously Twitter), Howe was asked about the recent criticism of Longstaff.

He reminded people that the midfielder is presently playing through an injury, relying on himself to keep going despite so many other absences. With so few alternative choices, he’s had to play consistently, even if Howe would have rested him in an ideal scenario.

“I’ve had no other midfielders to play,” claimed the Spaniard.

“I would have rested Sean, for sure.” I’ve got to watch after Lewis (Miley), who is only 17. [Elliot] Anderson and Sandro [Tonali] have not been accessible. I’ve had no other options.

“Sean would probably claim he doesn’t need a rest, but I would have managed and cared for him [if I could] since he hasn’t been 100% fit and has played through discomfort for the team, which deserves recognition.

“Sean needs to train regularly and that’s been disrupted due to an ongoing foot problem since Everton at the end of last season.”

“Last week, he received an injection to play and trained late.

“He’s had some really, really fantastic games for us this season, and he’s an extremely valuable player because of his game knowledge. When he’s on top of his game, he’s invaluable to us. “I support him and his abilities.”

 

Sean Longstaff: Newcastle star can still be a useful squad member

In an ideal world, Newcastle could rotate Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Joe Willock through midfield, with Longstaff, Lewis Miley, and possibly Elliot Anderson filling in.

However, for a variety of reasons, this has just not been possible.

Longstaff is appreciated by Howe, and he has demonstrated his abilities at times. It’s debatable whether he has the quality to keep a side in the top four as a regular, but when everyone is fit and available, Newcastle doesn’t really need him.

Longstaff has the potential to play as a squad member next season. If he frequently starts, he may possibly encounter the same type of criticism.