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Howe issues injury update ahead of City clash
Eddie Howe says he will be facing 'the best manager in the world' when Newcastle United welcome Manchester City to St. James' Park on Saturday evening (kick-off 5:30pm GMT).
The Magpies take on Pep Guardiola's men on Tyneside hoping to record a first Premier League victory of 2024, having seen off local rivals Sunderland with a 3-0 FA Cup win on Wearside last weekend.
Now their challenge is to take points off the reigning champions, who are managed by Guardiola - the boss Howe rates as the best in the game - though they will have to do it without the services of influential midfielder Joelinton.
Head coach Howe confirmed at his media briefing that the Brazilian international would be missing for at least six weeks after sustaining a thigh injury in last Saturday's win at the Stadium of Light.
Here are some of the other talking points from Howe's pre-match discussion with the media:
On Manchester City and Guardiola...
"They are the team to beat. Their record in recent seasons has been incredible.
"They have the best manager in the world, their style of play is difficult to combat, but I believe we can really compete in this game."
On Joelinton's injury setback...
"It isn't good. It is an injury that will see him miss a minimum of six weeks.
"It is a real blow for us. He is such an important player. He has a problem with his tendon in his quad. He is very disappointed, he wants to play and do well - we have had to try and pick him up. He is our midfield driving force. It is a big blow."
On the fitness of fellow injury absentees Elliot Anderson and Joe Willock...
"No, they're not expected back any time soon. I think Elliot is continuing his rehab from a stress fracture in his back, which is a difficult injury to manage for him.
"He's not been very active for a long period of time - he's trying to let his back heal. He has another scan next week so hopefully that will give us good news and he can start to build up his work.
"With Joe Willock, he's improving - he's building up the strength in his achilles, he's looking better, but he's still not running."
On Fabian Schär, who extended his United contract earlier this week...
"He is very confident without being arrogant - he believes in himself. He is the same as a person - he is a great guy and I have built a great relationship with him.
"He is very intelligent, and I think his intelligence comes across on the pitch. He makes very good decisions; he is technically outstanding. Fabian deserves this new deal and hopefully it's a start of another good period for him."
On getting to 650 games in management, a milestone he will reach on Saturday...
"I have a little smile when I hear that number because it is a lot of games. It feels like it has gone by in a flash - it certainly doesn't feel like that many.
"I remember when I started in management, everyone talked about my age and how inexperienced I was. In the end, I got tired of those questions. So now it is the other way around."