Joelinton injury update, Howe on confidence and Ipswich clash

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says his side have had confidence issues during a tough run of form but has backed them to continue their win against Ipswich.

Howe’s side beat Leicester 4-0 last weekend and followed that up with a 3-1 win over Brentford in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Prior to this the Magpies had gone four games without a win but Howe is ready to see more points – and goals – during the Christmas period.

He said: “We are human beings and I think there were – a few times in certain games – trust issues.

“But I think I saw a really good feeling within the team in the last two shows. I’d probably say three of the last four were really strong, as strong as we’ve seen this season.

“Hopefully this is a good sign. I think we are scoring goals again, which builds confidence so much.

We look to continue our momentum. 👊 pic.twitter.com/UUXpOEyIjX

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) 20 December 2024

“Three goals again the other night and possibly I could have scored more goals from different areas of the pitch, which we haven’t had this season, really.

“Historically we have always had goals from everywhere. I think it’s a really important aspect and it was great to see Sandro (Tonali) emerge with two huge goals for us.

“I think if you believe you can score goals from a number of sources, areas of the team, it naturally lifts how you feel about yourself.”

Team news

Callum Wilson is a long-term miss again as the striker battles with injury, while midfielder Joelinton is out of the Ipswich game.

Howe said: “Joelinton is OK, he’s just a bit battered and bruised, he had a few stitches yesterday I believe, around the ear area, which was quite tricky.

“He had a cut mouth, so I think that, probably, with him not being available this weekend, it’s probably a good thing for him because it allows him to rest those bruises and wounds and then hopefully he’ll be good for the following week.”

Howe on Ipswich: “We know Portman Road, and Ipswich is a difficult game, they are a really competitive team.

“I think Kieran (McKenna) did an incredible job there and even the games they lost this season, they were in all those games, very tight games, a very competitive team as I said.

“So we will have to be very alert to be ready for the match.”