Newcastle United injury news ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Tottenham Hotspur.
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Eddie Howe wants to get the balance right as he prepares to make changes to his Newcastle United starting XI.
Newcastle host Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night in what is their fourth game in 12 days, with West Ham United, Athletic Bilbao and Brentford still to come before the November international break.
The Magpies have won back-to-back matches, beating Benfica in the Champions League and Fulham in the Premier League. Howe’s side now return to the competition of which they are the current holders of after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final at Wembley in March.
United’s defence began with a 4-1 victory over League One outfit Bradford City at St James’ Park last month.
Eddie Howe on rotating his Newcastle United starting XI v Tottenham Hotspur
“Yes, I think it's an important decision that I've got coming up for this game because, of course, we want to progress,” Howe said when asked about rotation his team against Spurs. “Competition means a lot to us, current holders, etc, o, we don't want to give that up easily.
“But I have to trust the squad as well, and we've got some very good players that need football and need an opportunity to show their talents and what they can bring the squad. So, I think there'll be an element of that, but, as I said, I've got to try and get the balance right.
“I love the different focuses that those competitions bring, the different challenges. I really love this competition, as I said earlier, so, I think it's a good thing, we love preparing football matches and love the experience of managing, so, from my perspective, it's fine.
“From the players' perspective, I think they feel the same way. I think they've got in a good groove and rhythm of knowing that this season is just going to be about playing, then resting and then preparing again for the next game. Very limited training.
“But, yes, so the different focuses, I think, is a good thing and we want to stay in as many competitions as we can.”
Newcastle United fresh injury doubt
Howe will have a full squad to choose from with the exception of Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa. Of the three, Hall is closest to returning, though the Spurs game will come too soon for the left-back.
“He is the closest,” Howe said. “No, this game will come too quickly for him, so we'll see how he is for West Ham.”
Meanwhile, Sven Botman is a doubt due to the “nasty cut” to the head he sustained during the 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday. The Dutchman missed training on Monday.
“Yes, so, as I said, after the game, no concussion,” Howe said. “It was a cut, quite a nasty-looking cut for Sven. I think he had it stapled together so, he didn't train yesterday, so we'll see how he is today.”