Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Friday, February 19.
Federico Fernandez prepares return
Federico Fernandez is expected to be available for Newcastle's home match against Wolves next weekend.
Fernandez has not featured since the away defeat to Sheffield United when he suffered a calf injury.
Fernandez conceded a penalty with a handball in the infamous defeat that saw Steve Bruce heavily criticised for the defensive approach he took.
However, in his press conference on Friday Bruce confirmed that Fernandez would not be available for Sunday's match against Manchester United but could be back in the fold by next weekend against Wolves.
"Unfortunately, Man U will be too quick for him," he said. "He’s been a month with his calf.
"But we’re hoping, against Wolves, that he might be ready."
Jamaal Lascelles lays down gauntlet
Jamaal Lascelles revealed that harsh words were said between the Newcastle players at half-time of their defeat to Chelsea on Monday.
Following the defeat, as well as Fulham gaining four points from their last two matches, Lascelles once again laid down the gauntlet to his team-mates.
"We were probably a bit too passive and paid them too much respect," he said. "Against a team like that the least we need to be doing is getting up against them and making life hard for them.
"We need to look at ourselves and ask why that didn't happen. In the dressing room at half-time things were said. I think we come out second half a better team.
"It was a much better performance in the last 45 minutes."
Newcastle have won just two of their last 15 matches in all competitions, including defeats to Brentford and Crystal Palace.
They now sit just six points clear of Fulham and the relegation zone.
Bruce on Dwight Gayle future
Bruce has revealed that contract discussions with Dwight Gayle are ongoing.
Fulham have been linked with a move for Gayle over the past six months, while Chronicle Live understands that several overseas clubs are considering a move for the striker on a free transfer this summer.
And Bruce says that conversations will be had with Gayle as his future remains up in the air. "There are a number of players with contracts up," he said in his press conference on Friday. "And Dwight is one of them.
"There will be conversations to be had over the next few weeks. I am sure."
Bruce also hinted that the Covid pandemic has impacted Newcastle's ability to plan for the future. "We are in the middle of Covid, and in the middle of trying to secure our Premier League status," he added.
"So discussions will be ongoing I am sure."
