Excitement is building around the city with Newcastle United’s first cup final in 24 years just around the corner.
The Magpies go up against Premier League rivals Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday with a first trophy since 1969 at stake.
Eddie Howe is eager to get his preparations absolutely right, and one small change made to his schedule this week is the weekly meeting with the media.
Instead of addressing the press on a Friday to preview the weekend’s game, Howe carried out his duties yesterday alongside Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff.
One topic high on the agenda was injuries and suspensions following Nick Pope’s red card in the 2-0 loss against Liverpool last Saturday.
Indeed, Pope is among five Magpies players ruled out against the Red Devils, while another is “touch and go”. Here is Newcastle’s current injury list and expected return dates.
5. Martin Dubravka - cup tied
The Slovakian is cup-tied having played twice in the Carabao Cup during his loan spell at Man United. Return date: Manchester City (A) 04/03. Photo: Stu Forster
6. Matt Targett - available
Targett has been sidelined with a heel injury since December but stepped up his return in a under-21s friendly against Brentford B last Saturday. Return date: Manchester United (N) 26/02. Photo: Jan Kruger
7. Anthony Gordon - cup tied
January signing Gordon is cup-tied after featuring in Everton’s 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth in the third round. Return date: Manchester City (A) 04/03. Photo: Ian MacNicol
8. Joelinton - available
Howe didn’t want to take any risk when Joelinton went down feeling his thigh during the defeat to Liverpool. The Brazilian should be OK for this weekend. Return date: Manchester United (N) 26/02. Photo: George Wood