'Very careful' - Nick Woltemade warning after Newcastle United double injury blow

Eddie Howe has explained why Nick Woltemade didn’t start Newcastle United’s 2-1 defeat to Marseille on Tuesday night.

The Magpies’ head coach made three changes from the weekend victory over Manchester City as Woltemade, Joelinton and Lewis Hall dropped out for Anthony Gordon, Joe Willock and Dan Burn.

Howe hinted at changes during his pre-match press conference and was specifically asked about the prospect of Gordon leading the line instead of Woltemade.

Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon as a striker

“I think all options are available to us,” Howe said on Gordon. “It's great to have Anthony back with us. He has worked hard in the break. He had a minor injury but it was enough to keep him out.

“Especially with explosive players, you've got to be really careful with muscle injuries that doesn't become a longer-term problem. But he's done the work, I'd say he's fully fit. And, yeah, the ability to use him in different positions

“As I've said many, many times this season, I think there's an element where trusting the squad is really important. We've got some very, very good players who will be desperate to play as well.

“I do trust everybody and I think we have the depth to play these games. I think by playing the same players in every game will not help us achieve our objective. But every game is different, the challenge is different. Certain players will suit certain games.”

Eddie Howe explains Nick Woltemade decision

Against Marseille, Howe took the opportunity to rotate Woltemade, who had started the last 15 matches for club and country. It wasn’t until the 72nd minute that the German was introduced at the Stade Velodrome.

Howe explained: “With Nick, [it was] to rest and rotate Nick because physically he's giving a lot. He's our only fit and available, established number nine and we have to be very careful with his load.

“Also, when he plays, I want him fresh and able to give his very best. He's had a really intense period. He did well when he came on though, I thought he helped our performance.”

Yoane Wissa and Will Osula injury update

At present, Woltemade is the club’s only fit senior striker with both Yoane Wissa and Will Osula sidelined.

Providing an update on the pair last week, Howe said: “No, I haven't got a clear, defined return date for you. He's working well, so he's not back training with us yet, but he's close.

“He's working with a sports scientist. He's in that phase, sort of moves past his physios. He's now back with the sports science team and he's also almost entering a pre-season with them currently. He's doing a lot of work.

“He's looking good, looking better with every session, and as I say, he's close to training with us. But until he gets to there, it's very difficult to give you a date.

“Will Osula, we haven't seen back in training yet, but again, I think injury hasn't been totally plain sailing. I think there have been a few days where he's felt really good and a few days then where he's felt a bit of pain.

“I think he might be going to see a specialist on Monday. Not necessarily on a negative, but just to get sort of full clearance that he's OK to continue as he is. So we won't see him back sort of in the next couple of games, I don't think.”