Eddie Howe gives Dominic Solanke update as Newcastle United dealt fresh injury blow

Newcastle United are preparing to take on treble winners Manchester City for the first time this season. The score is currently tied at 1-1, with the Magpies knocking Pep Guardiola’s side out of the Carabao Cup a month after losing at the Etihad in the Premier League.

It comes as no surprise that Eddie Howe’s press conference dominates today’s news round-up ahead of the crunch clash at St James’ Park. Here is your Newcastle daily digest as the Magpies aim to get back to winning ways in the top flight.

Howe rules out Solanke move

Howe has admitted Newcastle cannot afford to sign Dominic Solanke this month. Reports had linked the Magpies with a move for the Bournemouth striker, who has 12 Premier League goals in 2023-24.

It was Howe who brought the 26-year-old to Bournemouth also five years ago and a potential reunion had been mooted. However, Financial Fair Play is the hot topic on Tyneside after the club released their latest accounts yesterday.

CEO Darren Eales admitted January transfer dealings may prove difficult given Newcastle’s little wriggle room on the balance sheet. Howe has echoed that sentiment when grilled on links with Cherries striker Solanke.

“We didn’t make a move for Solanke, we can’t sign him,” he told reporters. “I love Solanke, I signed him for Bournemouth and rate him very highly. But we have not made an enquiry for him and we don’t have the ability to sign a player of that level."

Joelinton injury blow

Newcastle will be without Joelinton for a minimum of six weeks after the Brazilian picked up a quad injury during the Tyne-Wear derby win against Sunderland. 

Joelinton played a key role in giving the Magpies the lead at the Stadium of Light after his cross was turned into his own net by Dan Ballard. Shortly after Alexander Isak made it 2-0, the midfielder was withdrawn.

Howe has confirmed the 27-year-old will be sidelined until late February. He said: “The prospects over the next couple of weeks aren’t good," Howe admitted. "It’s an injury that will see him certainly miss probably a minimum of six weeks. It’s a real blow for us because he's such an important player.”