Eddie Howe details Newcastle United illness concern ahead of Tottenham Hotspur recall

Sean Longstaff is in line for a recall to Newcastle United’s starting XI against Tottenham Hotspur - after fully recovering from a bout of illness.

For the first time in 30 matches, Eddie Howe named a starting line-up without the Geordie midfielder in it, and it quickly became apparent just how much he was missed.

The Magpies lost the midfield battle against Aston Villa last weekend after the hosts strolled to a 3-0 win courtesy of an Ollie Watkins brace and a goal from Jacob Ramsey.

Having felt unwell in the build-up to the fixture at Villa Park, Longstaff was restricted to a substitute appearance but is likely to make a swift return to the starting side versus Spurs.

“Yeah, he’s over his illness,” Howe confirmed during Friday’s press conference. “He’s trained well this week.”

Howe then brilliantly summed up the 25-year-old’s importance.

“I always maintained he is a huge part of our midfield. Both in and out of possession, he’s a very intelligent footballer so I think a lot of his off the ball work goes unnoticed just because he goes about it in an unfussy way. And on the ball, he’s got a really good way of keeping the ball, which is an invaluable quality.

“He’s got an eye for a really progressive pass as well - he helps us break through opponent team structures. I really like Sean.” 

In Longstaff’s absence, Joelinton dropped into the midfield three alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock, as Anthony Gordon came onto the left wing.

Longstaff could slot straight back into the midfield, leaving Howe with the decision to play Gordon or Joelinton outwide. On the opposite side, top scorer Miguel Almiron is in contention to start ahead of Jacob Murphy.

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.