Eddie Howe provides update on Sandro Tonali's availability for Burnley clash | OneFootball

United welcome the Clarets, managed by former Magpies midfielder Scott Parker, to St. James' Park this weekend as they aim to extend their unbeaten home streak to eight matches across all competitions.

Bidding for a seventh consecutive league victory against Burnley, Howe revealed Tonali could be available for selection despite the Italian midfielder suffering "a dead leg type feeling" during Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur and believes Yoane Wissa is "getting closer" towards making his highly-anticipated debut for the Magpies following his transfer from Brentford in September.

Here are some of the boss' main talking points during Friday's pre-match media briefing at the Newcastle United Media Centre...

On Sandro Tonali, who was withdrawn at half-time during Newcastle's 2-2 draw against Tottenham...

"He's had a scan and we don't think it's too bad. We'll give him every chance to declare himself fit. It was a knock very similar to the one Joelinton suffered, a dead leg type feeling.

"Sandro felt it was concerning enough to get scanned but we'll see how he is today and we'll give him every chance to be fit."

On Yoane Wissa, awaiting his Magpies bow...

"We did an 11v11 game, sort of for him, on Wednesday which was good and more minutes for him. Round about half an hour - he did well. So far he's come through everything.

"We still have training today and we'll make a decision as to whether he's ready to not just be fit but fit to make a difference and fit to perform to his high standards."

On Sven Botman...

"Sven has had an injection. We hope that will bring back his return quite quickly but now there is a time period for the injection to work which I think is about a week then we'll see how he is."

On losing points from winning positions...

"It's been really painful for us. Also, there's a psychological blow that happens when you do that. Set play against Arsenal, set play again against Tottenham - it's frustrating. All we can do is work on it and try to put it right. "I don't think there's any mysterious reason for that underneath. We're looking at patterns and trends all the time and I don't think there's something fundamentally wrong but we can certainly do better."

On finding consistency, with Newcastle aiming to extend their unbeaten league run to four matches...

"It feels like it's one of the most competitive Premier League seasons I've experienced. Every team we've played this season has been strong and has a clear vision, identity and way of playing. You see the table and it tells a story - everyone is searching for consistency and back to back wins. "If you get them you elevate your position and if you don't, as we are, we're wanting to move higher in the table but we're seeking that run that will take us there."

On Martin Dúbravka, with the Slovakian goalkeeper set for a return to St. James' Park following his departure last summer, ending a seven-year stint on Tyneside...

"An unbelievable professional and a very good goalkeeper. Long before I came to the club, he etched his name into legend status for what he did for such a long period of time and how dependable and reliable he was for the football club in difficult moments. I'm sure he'll get a warm welcome from the supporters."