Eddie Howe ‘unsure’ on fitness of Newcastle United star as midfielder gives update ahead of West Ham clash

Eddie Howe revealed he is ‘unsure’ on the fitness of one of his key players following Newcastle United’s impressive win against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

The Magpies were in scintillating form as they boosted their hopes of securing a place in the Champions League with a 2-0 win against Erik ten Hag’s side and set themselves up for what will be a challenging ten-day period that could define their targets for the remainder of the season.

Howe’s men face a tricky looking trip to West Ham United on Wednesday night before hitting the road once against to face Brentford on Saturday afternoon. A third consecutive away day will follow on Saturday week when United head to the Midlands to take on ever-improving Aston Villa.

Howe was quizzed over his selection issues in the aftermath of Sunday’s win against the 13-time Premier League champions and revealed he will seek clarity on an injury suffered by one of his goalscorers at St James Park.

He replied: “I’m unsure at the moment. Joe Willock’s the obvious one. He was feeling his hamstring, but he wasn’t sure if it was cramp or something more sinister. So we’ll wait and see. A couple more players just nursing little things because of the physical game that it was.”

Willock put in a lively performance during the win over the Red Devils as he made amends for two missed opportunities in the first-half by heading United in front with 65 minutes on the clock. However, he had been replaced by Elliot Anderson by the time Callum Wilson doubled his side’s lead in the final minute.

Asked about his substitution and injury, he told the club website: “I feel like I’ll be ok, I’m going to check tomorrow but I feel like I’ll be ok, I’m confident.”

United will be without long-term injury victim Emil Krafth and Miguel Almiron as he continues his comeback from the thigh injury he suffered prior to the recent international break. Despite their absence, Howe still has several big calls to make after the likes of Joelinton, Elliot Anderson, Callum Wilson and Anthony Gordon all impressed as they came off the bench during the second-half of Sunday’s win.