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Eddie Howe on meeting Saudi PIF Governor and Friday update on injury situation

2 years ago
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Eddie Howe has been speaking from Jeddah.

The Newcastle United Head Coach giving a press conference to journalists via Zoom on Friday morning, ahead of a behind closed doors friendly against Al-Ittihad later today, then flying back to Tyneside on Saturday.

Eddie Howe very positive about this week’s warm weather training trip, which he believes will benefit the NUFC first team squad in many ways, ahead of continuing the battle against relegation.

The NUFC Head Coach also revealing that he and the players had met the Saudi PIF Governor and Newcastle United Chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

Eddie Howe reflecting that ‘it was a great experience to hear his thoughts on the club, his vision and how the future looks.’

How also gave an update on the injury situation.

Federico Fernandez is one of the longer-term absentees and he is now back running and working with physios but not yet ready to join in with group training. Eddie Howe saying ‘he is still some way away’ and so very unlikely to be available for Everton at home in 11 days time.

As for the three players forced off through injury in the last match, it sounds like positive news all round.

Eddie Howe says that whilst Paul Dummett and Joelinton haven’t trained this week ‘we don’t think their injuries are too serious.’

Whilst it sounds as though despite limping off against Leeds, Jamaal Lascelles should be fine for the Everton game, as he has returned to training this week.

Eddie Howe press conference from Jeddah – 28 January 2022:

“I’ve spoken with the chairman [Yasir Al-Rumayyan].

“We met with him one of the days and it was a great experience to hear his thoughts on the club, his vision and how the future looks.

“I think the players enjoyed that and so did I.”

Eddie Howe on injury situation:

“Fede is back running with physios but he’s not training so he’s still some way away.

“Jamaal Lascelles has trained this week so that’s a positive.

“Joelinton and Paul Dummett haven’t trained but we don’t think their injuries are too serious.”

Eddie Howe on the reasons behind the trip to Saudi Arabia:

“I’m doing it to try to improve the team.

“To take the players away into a different environment and to stimulate them mentally.

“To forge new friendships that we’re going to need in our battle to stay in the league.

“It’s been really good.

“The weather has been really good and I think the players had a lift from that sunshine which was a big reason behind the trip.

“The lads have trained well.

“We’ve done a few activities together as staff and players to try to unite the group.

“There’s been a lot of benefits so far and we’re playing a game tonight so I’m hoping that goes well too.”

Eddie Howe on tonight’s training match against Al-Ittihad:

“Everything we do is to try and see the rewards of that in matches.

“We desperately don’t want any injuries.

“It’s a game that will be played in extreme heat & it’s slightly shorter at 70 minutes. I want them to enjoy it.”

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