Your Newcastle United evening headlines for Friday, December 10.
Leicester v Newcastle to go ahead
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has vowed that Sunday’s clash against Newcastle WILL go ahead amid an outbreak of coronavirus.
The Foxes were without seven first-team players for their 3-2 defeat to Napoli last night, with several testing positive for Covid-19.
One of the players omitted was former Magpies striker Ayoze Perez, who is now a major doubt for the game at the King Power Stadium.
Spurs’ clash with Brighton has already been called off following an outbreak of the disease in North London - raising fears that Newcastle’s game might follow suit.
Rodgers, however, insisted that he does not want to postpone the fixture.
“I want the players to play,” he said after last night’s game.
“We have always been vigilant. The club has been amazing.
“Before we arrived in Italy, in the space of a couple of days, we had three tests and we will have a test back in England.
“Every measure has been put in place by the Premier League and the club. This is the nature of the virus. We will look to do everything we can to keep football going.”
Howe cancels Christmas party
Eddie Howe has cancelled plans for a Christmas party at Newcastle United.
The new Toon boss does not think a party would be appropriate while the club languishes 19th in the Premier League and battling to survive relegation.
Howe did admit that players and staff have enjoyed a low-key meal together to celebrate the festive period.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s trip to Leicester, Howe said: “I don’t think this moment is the time for the players to be having a Christmas party.
“We have had a gathering this week of staff and players, a meal together.
"But I don’t think with the fixture congestion, Covid and our league position, it is the time for that.
"I’ll be trying to get the message to them to focus on the work and the games.
"That takes priority over anything else."
Almiron praise for new boss
Miguel Almiron has become the latest Newcastle player to heap praise on Eddie Howe since his arrival at the club.
Former Bournemouth duo Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser had already spoken highly of Howe, who they wired alongside while on the South Coast.
Jonjo Shelvey even joked that he is having to go to bed at 8pm due to how thorough the news boss’ training sessions are.
Now Almiron, who was given man of the match by ChronicleLive’s Lee Ryder against Burnley last weekend, has highlighted the impact Howe had made already on Tyneside.
He told NUFC TV: “Talking about specific changes; well, I think the training sessions have been more dynamic and had more of an edge to them.
"I think it helps us to be able to win the ball back much more quickly - which in turn allows us to be closer to goal and be able to create a few more chances.
"This is vital and it's something we've been working on in training and we want to be able to implement it during games."
"The sessions have been really intense and I think that has been reflected on the field in the games.
