Eddie Howe is pleased with the promising performance of a debutant despite their lack of total fitness. Still, he remains concerned about Fabian Schar’s injury as Newcastle United prepares for the season opener. While the debutant showed potential, Howe’s focus is also on ensuring Schar recovers in time for the crucial first match.
Eddie Howe was impressed with Newcastle’s debutant, who, despite not being fully fit, showed notable promise
Eddie Howe introduced three new players to the atmosphere of St James’ Park today as Newcastle United secured a 1-0 victory over Brest to keep hold of the Sela Cup.
Odysseas Vlachodimos split goalkeeping duties with Martin Dubravka, with Dubravka starting the first half and Vlachodimos taking over at halftime.
Lloyd Kelly made a strong debut, earning an assist by delivering a precise long ball to Harvey Barnes. Barnes then finished the move, scoring the game’s only goal.
While it wasn’t the only time the ball found the net, 21-year-old striker Will Osula, making his debut for Newcastle, was unfortunate not to score. His well-placed shot was disallowed due to an offside call by the linesman. It was a close decision, and the outcome remains uncertain without VAR.
Will Osula was unfortunate not to have his goal counted
Although he came off in the second half without finding the net, he impressed manager Eddie Howe. This was especially notable since the £15m signing from Sheffield United had scarcely trained before the match, as Howe mentioned in his post-game interview.
“He did really well when you consider when he joined us he hadn’t trained for seven or eight days with a concussion. We knew playing today he wasn’t at his peak physical condition.”
“I thought he showed his qualities today and what he’s going to bring to the team, his pace, strength, and took his goal really well – he was unlucky with the marginal offside. I think he’ll be really pleased with his efforts.”
It is anticipated that Will Osula will be on the bench next week
Fortunately, the Danish U21 international emerged from the game unscathed, and it is expected that he will be on the bench next Saturday when Newcastle faces Southampton.
Eddie Howe probably has his starting XI ready for next week. Even if a new player joins before then, it’s unlikely they will start right away.
Eddie Howe is concerned about a potential injury to Fabian Schar ahead of Newcastle United’s season opener
Newcastle United are optimistic that Fabian Schar’s injury, sustained when he limped off during Saturday’s Sela Cup victory over Brest, is not severe. The team is hopeful he will be fit for the Premier League opener against Southampton.
The center-back made a crucial tackle to stop Kenny Lala in the closing minutes but seemed to hurt his ankle. Schar got a lot of treatment from the physios before trying to finish the game.
However, the 32-year-old seemed uncomfortable. The young Ellis Stanton soon substituted it for the final minutes of the Sela Cup match. Now, Eddie Howe is hoping that the issue isn’t too serious.
“I haven’t spoken with Fabby yet, I hope it’s not too bad,” he told reporters after Saturday’s 1-0 victory. “It seemed like an ankle twist. He felt a little discomfort, but we hope he’ll be OK.”
After his return to St James’ Park, Schar took to social media to provide some reassurance following his early exit from Saturday’s game. “Good runout and great to see so many of you at SJP,” he posted on X. “Fully focused on the big start to the season next week.”
If Schar is not fit for the season opener, Emil Krafth will probably step in to play in central defense. However, this could change if Newcastle finalizes a deal for Marc Guehi in the coming days.
Back Your Star Player! Get the freshest updates and stories about your favorite football player.
Support Your Favorite Player
