Eddie Howe anticipates tough challenge as Newcastle travel to Leeds | OneFootball

Newcastle travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United, and with the Yorkshire side back in the Premier League, it promises to be a testing ground.

Manager Eddie Howe expects a tough contest and wants his team to rise to the challenge, stay focused, and dictate the game against a Leeds side eager to make their mark.

“Their home support is really strong, so we know the start of the game is going to be really important for us. They played very well against Everton, and they were strong in the early parts against Arsenal. They have invested well and have some great players.”

With a recent spate of injuries, Howe confirmed that the knocks sustained by Sandro Tonali and Joelinton against Liverpool “aren’t as serious as the club feared.”

“Tonali is battling to be fit – whether he makes it or not, I’m not sure. He’s dealing with pain, not a dislocation, so if he can manage that, then he can play. Joelinton won’t feature, but he could be back the other side of the international break.”

Howe says there is still “no clarity” over Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle, admitting it is difficult to provide any update on the ongoing transfer saga.

Attention has also turned to the new arrival, Nick Wolteade. Howe confirmed the German will not be registered in time to face Leeds and insisted he could not “say too much” about the situation.

“Things are moving and developing in a good way at the moment,” Howe said. “I can’t confirm anything until things are done, but fingers crossed.”