£20m man omitted from Newcastle United squad vs Southampton as winger named amid 'deal agreed' claim

The Magpies’ nine-match winning win came to an abrupt against AFC Bournemouth last weekend, losing 4-1 at St James’ Park. Howe’s men will look to get back on track against the division’s bottom side.

And Howe has recalled Fabian Schar to his backline place of Sven Botman. The Switzerland international makes his first league start of 2025 as Botman drops out for the first time this year.

Speaking about the duo in his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “Yes, it was a challenge for Sven and I think Fabian has been ill and he wasn't 100% fit and then we had Sven who had done really well.

“I think he's been magnificent since his return, but obviously that was a challenge for him and I thought he looked a little bit fatigued in the game. Naturally, because he's been thrust into action, which has been a great thing for him.

“Minimal time to think, just straight back in and you've got to find his rhythm and by and large I think he's been excellent in all respects.

“A challenging few days for him, but he's one player that we've tried to look after and he's had a bit longer to recover and Fabi now hopefully is over his illness as well.”

The only change to the matchday squad sees Nick Pope replace Odysseas Vlachodimos on the bench. Pope had missed the last seven weeks with a knee injury but returned to full training earlier this week.

Howe said: “Yeah, there's a chance he'll be in the squad. I think he's started training with the group again and it's great to see Nick back in his presence and his positivity that he brings.

“I’ve seen him do some really good things this week, so yeah, delighted to have him back in the mix.”

Miguel Almiron is also among the substitutes, despite reports he has agreed to re-join MLS side Atlanta United.

“I think Miggy's head has been very, very solidly here,” Howe said on Friday. “He's been brilliant in training this week. I've seen not one moment where I thought, oh, I need to address this or speak to him or have a deeper conversation. I think we're both aware of the situation.

“Yes, there is interest in him from other clubs. There is potential a chance he could leave before the window, but until that moment and if that moment never arrives, he's still a valuable member of the squad. We love him to bits.

“He's got a great energy and character that's never changed for a second. He's been the ultimate professional and let's see what happens.”

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Martin Dubravka, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes (c), Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak. SUBS: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Lloyd Kelly, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Joe Willock, Miguel Almirón, William Osula.