INJURY SCARE: SANDRO TONALI AND YOANE WISSA QUESTIONABLE FOR PREMIER LEAGUE CLASH
Eddie Howe gave an important fitness update: Sandro Tonali's injury isn't serious, but he's questionable for Burnley, while £55 million signing Yoane Wissa nears his debut.
Ahead of Newcastle United's Premier League clash with Burnley, ex-Burnley boss Eddie Howe gave an update on the fitness of two important Newcastle players.
Burnley, now managed by Scott Parker, will face Newcastle at St. James’ Park this Saturday. Sandro Tonali and Yoane Wissa are questionable for the home team. Tonali, who plays for Italy, had to leave during the Tottenham Hotspur game due to a knock. After a scan, his chances of playing against the Clarets this weekend are uncertain.
Wissa's also not a sure thing for the game, but he's been back at practice, playing in two practice matches this past week. Since joining from Brentford for £55 million on deadline day, the 29-year-old hasn't played yet.
Howe mentioned in his pre-match press conference that Tonali had a scan, but they don't believe it's too serious.
He said they're doing everything they can to see if he can play. It was a knock, similar to what Joelinton had, like a dead leg. However, Tonali's injury was serious enough to warrant a scan, and they'll check on his condition today to decide if he can play.
Howe continued that Sven Botman received an injection in his back, and he hasn't seen him since the Tottenham game. The hope is the injection will help him recover quickly. It usually takes about a week for the injection to take full effect, and then they'll evaluate his progress.
Regarding Wissa, Howe said he's getting closer to playing. He played in an 11 v 11 game on Wednesday for about half an hour and did well. They'll check on him today, too.
Howe added that Wissa has looked good so far and has gotten through everything asked of him. Howe said that they still have practice today, and they have to determine if Wissa is ready to not just be fit but also ready to make a positive impact and perform at his best.
Newcastle has a busy schedule ahead, with a Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen following the Burnley match and then the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
€75 MILLION BID: NEWCASTLE LAUNCHES MASSIVE TRANSFER OFFENSIVE FOR FERRAN TORRES
Newcastle United has reportedly launched a shock €75 million bid, plus a huge salary offer, for FC Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, testing the Catalan club's resolve.
Newcastle United is reportedly planning a big move in January for FC Barcelona forward Ferran Torres. According to Fichajes reporter Raul Cabrera Jimenez, the club is ready to offer €75 million, plus a good salary, to bring the former Premier League player back to England.
Jimenez stated that Barcelona is in a busy period of the transfer window after Newcastle United showed strong interest in signing Ferran Torres with a huge offer of 75 million.
The situation heated up after Manchester United and Chelsea made £60 million bids for Harvey Barnes.
Jimenez wrote that Newcastle responded with an even bigger offer to show their financial power in the transfer market.
The report says Barcelona was surprised by Newcastle's big offer, calling it one of the highest in this transfer window. Jimenez pointed out that Torres has been in good form, scoring nine goals and providing one assist in 17 games before Tuesday’s game, which is why several clubs are interested in him.
Jimenez added that Newcastle plans to make Torres one of the highest-paid players in the team, offering him a salary of £13.5 million per season. This shows their desire to get a player who can really change the game from day one.
The report also talked about the issue that Barcelona is facing. Jimenez said that the club needs money, but it also wants to keep its good players, and Ferran Torres is one of them.
Even though Barcelona had said before that Torres was not for sale, with NUFC already contacting them in the past, Jimenez said that FCB must now consider the big money offer against the player's new importance under Hansi Flick.
Jimenez finished by saying that the next few weeks will be important, as Newcastle is determined to push for a signing that will help them progress and compete at the top of the league.
HOWE PRAISES NICK WOLTEMADE: STAR STRIKER READY FOR UCL CHALLENGE DESPITE SETBACK WORRIES
Newcastle star Nick Woltemade, settled in with eight goals and his best friend, laughed off questions about his dating life ahead of the crucial UCL game vs. Leverkusen.
Newcastle United's Nick Woltemade chuckled when asked about his dating life since moving to Tyneside.
The 23-year-old striker spoke at a press event before heading back to Germany for Wednesday's Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.
Woltemade, who joined from Stuttgart four months ago for about £69 million, has had a great start, scoring eight goals and getting one assist.
When asked about how he's settling in, he mentioned living with his best friend.
"I don't get why everyone's talking about living with my friend," he told reporters. It's normal when you move to a new country, right? I just asked my friend to come with me. I don't know what you call it in English, living with your best friend.
Then, when asked if he's met anyone special, Woltemade laughed and said, No, too many games!
Newcastle is currently in fifteenth place in their Champions League group, with three wins and two losses.
They’re up against a Leverkusen team that's not doing so well in their domestic league, sitting fourth and trailing the top spot by 15 points.
However, Eddie Howe had good things to say about the German team, which let go of their previous coach earlier in the year.
Reaching the next phase is what we want, Howe said. It'd be great to avoid a playoff, but we’re up against some good teams.
I’m happy with how we've played in the Champions League so far. We deserved more in our two losses. Bayer Leverkusen is a great team with a clear style, so it'll be tough.
Lately, we've had trouble defending set plays, but that's fixable. You always find things you suddenly need to work on during the season.
Howe also gave an update on Yoane Wissa, who played his first game for the club in their 2-1 victory over Burnley.
Howe said Wissa has worked hard to get here. He still has some work to do to reach his peak. Howe said he's happy to have him available, and they’ll manage his playing time.
Once Yoane is at full speed, which he isn't quite yet, he'll be ready to start, Howe added. We'll decide game by game.
After the Champions League game, Newcastle will travel to Sunderland for the Tyne-Wear derby.