Eddie Howe delivers key messages ahead of Newcastle United v Bournemouth

Eddie Howe has been talking ahead of Newcastle United taking on Bournemouth.

NUFC entering the FA Cup at the third round stage.

A 3pm kick-off at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

Eddie Howe and his team looking to make it four wins in a row, having banked Premier League victories against Burnley, Palace and Leeds.

After eleven Premier League matches without a win, Bournemouth managed a 3-2 home victory over Spurs on Wednesday night.

Eddie Howe speaking at his Newcastle United pre-match press conference ahead of facing Bournemouth:

Eddie Howe on Fabian Schar:

“Hopefully not too bad, or maybe not as bad as it initially looked.

“He has got an injury there but no break, it is ligament damage.

“He is seeing a specialist in the next coming days to get a definitive answer but maybe more positive than the initial assessment.

“Losing Fabian is a huge blow.”

Eddie Howe on team news:

“I have to give compliments to the players fitness-wise, especially considering the style that we try to implement and how the players adapt to that with the schedule we have, it is incredibly difficult.

“If you looked at us the other day [against Leeds], I thought we were physically the stronger team in the latter stages, which is a credit to their professionalism and the work the sports science team and medical team do with the players.

“I was really pleased with that aspect.

“I think it would be wise for us to use the squad in certain games…

“We will review this [Bournemouth] game individually and try and make the right selections.”

Eddie Howe on Dan Burn progress:

“Dan was given a timeframe; I am not sure how much we can shave off that with the type of injury he’s got.

“He’s out on the grass, he is running, making good progress.

“He is here every day, Dan will be very keen to push himself back, but it is one we need to be careful with.”

Eddie Howe on the FA Cup:

“We haven’t quite matched the success we’ve had in the Carabao Cup; the FA Cup is a great competition; the early rounds are the most difficult because you are surrounded by other games.

“We really need to make sure we focus on this one, we want to progress, we want to do well.”