Howe urges focus ahead of Arsenal trip | OneFootball

A win at the Emirates Stadium would see the Magpies leapfrog the Gunners into second place in the Premier League table with just one more game - the visit of Everton - remaining after this weekend's clash in North London.

It would seal United's place at European football's top table next term but with two tests still ahead of them, starting with Sunday's trip to face the Gunners (kick-off 4:30pm BST), Howe has warned there is plenty for his side still to do if they want to return to the competition for the second time under his stewardship.

At Friday morning's pre-match media briefing, Howe also delivered some team news - including an update on Sven Botman - and spoke about his Barclays Manager of the Season nomination. Here are some of the main talking points:

On chasing Champions League qualification...

"It's not done yet. The picture can change game-to-game and I think we've got to be really focused on our next game and trying to win it.

"Our preparation has been good and the focus is there from the players. Nothing is achieved until it's achieved. We have to be single-minded in that, and not get distracted."

On Sven Botman's fitness...

"It was a knock - he got a bang on his knee. We're not sure about Sven's availability for the weekend but we'll give him a chance to be fit.

"We don't think it's a serious injury. He's been unlucky. You're going to get knocks and bruises in his position and this is a similar thing. He's been really unlucky on the last two occasions."

On Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock's availability...

"Kieran, I don't think will be fit for this weekend but again it's not a big injury, a very minor calf problem.

"Joe - we'll leave the door open for him, I think he's got a slight chance."

On Joelinton's ongoing recovery...

"He's working away behind the scenes. Typical Joe - he's absolutely foot to the floor trying to get fit because he wants to be involved.

"The biggest possibility is that we don't see him again this season and we'll get him ready for next year."

On the fit-again Jamaal Lascelles...

"No recovery from the same injury is the same, it's all individual and about how your knee reacts to different situations. Jamaal's took a little bit longer (than Sven Botman's). He had a couple of moments were he had to take time through different phases. "Through the whole process he's been very level. It would have been easy to fall into a difficult place mentally, but he's shown dedication. He's a brilliant professional.

"We've missed his voice on the training pitch, the demands he puts on himself and other people - he's a real culture setter for us. We're delighted to have him back."

On being shortlisted for the Barclays Manager of the Season award, and Alexander Isak's nomination for the EA Sports Player of the Season award...

"I always think it's nice to be nominated for different things, because ultimately it hopefully means you've had a successful season so I'm proud to be on that list.

"I'm also proud for Alex - I think he thoroughly deserves it."