Joelinton injury update, Howe on confidence and Ipswich clash

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says his side have struggled with confidence during a difficult run of form but has backed them to keep winning against Ipswich.

Howe’s side beat Leicester 4-0 last weekend and then won against Brentford 3-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in midweek.

The Magpies went four games without a win before that, but Howe is ready to see more points – and goals – over the Christmas period.

He said: “We are human beings and I think there have been – sometimes in certain games – trust issues.

“But I think you saw a really good feeling within the team in the last two performances. I’d probably say three of the last four were really strong, as strong as we’ve seen this season.

“I hope it’s a good sign. I think we’re scoring goals again, which is so much for building confidence.

We want to continue our momentum. 👊 pic.twitter.com/UUXpOEyIjX

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 20, 2024

“Three goals again the other night and maybe we could have scored more goals from different parts of the pitch, which we haven’t had this season, actually.

“We’ve always had it historically, goals from all sides. I think that’s a very important aspect and it was great to see Sandro (Tonali) come up with two big goals for us.

“I think if you believe you can score goals from a number of sources, the team area, it naturally raises your opinion of yourself.”

Team news

Callum Wilson is once again a long-term miss as the striker struggles with injury, while midfielder Joelinton is out for Ipswich.

Howe said: “Joelinton is fine, he’s just a bit bumped and bruised, he had a few stitches yesterday I believe around the ear area, which was quite delicate.

“He had a cut on his mouth, so I think that’s probably a good thing for him, with him not being available this weekend, because it allows him to rest from the bruises and wounds and hopefully he’ll be ready next week.”

Howe at Ipswich: “We know Portman Road and Ipswich are a tough game, they are a really competitive team.

“I think Kieran (McKenna) has done an amazing job there and even the games they’ve lost this season, they’ve been in all those games, very close games, a very competitive team like I said.

“So we will have to be very careful to be ready for the game.”