Howe expecting "huge challenge" ahead of Brighton trip

United make the long journey to the South Coast to take on Graham Potter's Seagulls, who claimed an impressive 2-1 win at Manchester United in their opening fixture of the 2022/23 campaign, in their first away game of the new season (kick-off 3pm BST).

After beginning with a 2-0 home victory against newly-promoted Nottingham Forest last weekend, the Newcastle boss is aiming for his team to build on their positive start as he sat down for his media briefing at the club's Benton training base on Friday morning. 

Here is what Howe had to say ahead of this weekend's clash in East Sussex...

On Jonjo Shelvey's injury status after the midfielder suffered a hamstring injury for Newcastle during a pre-season friendly againsy Benfica in Lisbon last month: 

"It was quite a complex one. We had a number of scans and opinions for Jonjo because we wanted to make the right call. It wasn't a clear or simple injury.

"He has had an operation and we expect him to be out for around 12 weeks. He was very disappointed after working really hard in pre-season and looked in really good physical shape. 

"It's a shame for him and for us but he's on the road to recovery now and is in a much better place after the operation and before mentally."

The midfield resources upon Howe's disposal despite Shelvey's lengthy lay-off:

"I feel we have enough to cover his absence currently but football can change very quickly. Losing Jonjo was a big blow because he has been a huge player for us over the last few seasons and brings unique qualities in that role.

"Bruno (Guimarães) played in that position on Saturday and did very, very well and Sean (Longstaff) played the position during pre-season, using the ball excellently, so we have a couple of options."

On further injury updates, including the likes of captain Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, Federico Fernández and Jamal Lewis:

"Jamaal is okay. He missed the early part of training and came back towards the end so we anticipate he'll be fit.

"Jamal has done a couple of days which is great to see. He's looked good. Fede, again, has done a couple of days this week. We've gently re-introduced him so we are very keen to see him consistently train with us. He's a top player. 

"It was a strange one with Emil because there wasn't really an injury - it was more just tightness. He's had two scans and the've both come back clear. I don't think there's an injury but maybe a problem with his back that's stopping him opening up to full speed. Hopefully, that'll be very short term."

On facing Brighton, who finished two points ahead of the Magpies last season in ninth place:

"Brighton are a very unique team. When you play them, you have a huge challenge on your hands. Tactically, I think they're excellent - Graham (Potter) has done an amazing job there and it's well documented how innovative and forward thinking he is. 

"Watching the game against Manchester United was a really interesting one from a tactical viewpoint so we're going to be challenged. Every game is different in the Premier League but this one is a big challenge and we're going to need to respond to it. 

"It's very different to Nottingham Forest - we're away but we have prepared for Brighton and hope we can impose our style on them."

Dan Burn's potential return to the Amex after departing the Seagulls in January to join his boyhood club:

"Dan's an incredible professional. He's been outstanding for us since he signed for the football club.

"I know it will be a big day for him and probably an emotional day in some ways, going back to a club that he's performed very well at and consistently performing at a high level. I'm sure he'll get a good reception and welcome for everything he gave Brighton. 

"He has been a real presence in the training ground and a very calming influence. He's got good experiences in the game and has never had it easy.

"He's had to graft to get into the position he's in now and he's not prepared to let that go easily. He's very popular in the dressing room and the lads look up to him."