Eddie Howe has admitted his Newcastle players face an injury risk because of their new high-intensity style - as he explained Alexander Isak's chances of featuring against Liverpool.
United have an injury crisis ahead of their trip to Anfield with star trio Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson all nursing hamstring problems.
Howe says his players will have to adapt to their physical output, which has been one of the highest in the league, because the energetic tactics won’t change. Record signing Isak is also a doubt because he is still waiting for a work permit - but Howe has explained he will get every chance to feature having been fully involved in training.
Guimaraes’ injury is galling because he came on in the last couple of minutes in the win against Tranmere in the EFL Cup and was crocked. Howe said yesterday morning that there would be “no major business” in the last days of the transfer market. But an hour later the club were linked with a move for Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles with Southampton also interested. The head coach is also having to stomach No.2 keeper Martin Dubravka moving to Manchester United.
Howe said: “I think when you see the effort the players are giving the games and the physical outputs that we're hitting at the moment they're really good levels. I think we've shown we are one of the fittest teams in the league and with that comes not a slight cost. You're putting the players at their maximum levels for the benefit of the team, and at the moment every two or three days.
“We certainly need to look at trying to get fresh players onto the pitch, trying to see warning signs on players when they're tired. But ultimately, that's how we want to play and I think it's how we have to play to be successful. So yeah, I think there will be injuries especially during this campaign where the fixture list is so congested.” On Brazilian playmaker Bruno, Howe added: “I don't know about this game coming up, but hopefully not far afterwards.
“At Tranmere, we brought him on for five minutes at the end in case we needed him to take a penalty. We wanted him to be warm to take that penalty, we didn't want to just bring him on with 10 seconds left because at that stage of the game, you're under pressure. He's very positive, in good spirits, desperate to get back and be involved. He's a big player for us, we need to get him back as quickly as possible.
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“There were warning signs or something we felt we could have done to prevent them, we would have done. Sometimes these things happen and there is no rhyme or reason to it. I try to see it for what it is. There are always going to be tests and moments that are meant to try you and you've just got to try to figure out a plan in return and try to find a way around it. Injuries are naturally part of the process here when you're working hard and trying to build a successful team."
Isak’s involvement is complicated by work permit delays. Howe will wait until the 75-minute deadline ahead of kick-off before ruling him out. In training Howe says the £58m striker “has done very well, looked bright, keen and showed little flashes. Certainly I’m excited by him. I don't think the (lack of) work permit stops you from doing certain things on the training pitch. He's done everything. He's been involved in the team and how the team players, his roles and responsibilities of what we do. We're gradually drip-feeding that into him."
Howe reported a dilemma with Dubravka’s exit, hinting he was against the move to Old Trafford. He added: “‘It’s not always about what I want, or the club wants, you have to understand the player’s position as well. Sometimes, you have to see things from two perspectives. There is no ideal world in football. You have to make a decision, the club have made a decision, and we back it. Every situation is a risk. I certainly back Karl Darlow. I have no issue with Karl or Martin, they are two very good goalkeepers. Karl did very well against Tranmere recently and showed his experience and value to the squad.”
