Eddie Howe on injured Newcastle trio, potential departure of defender and defeat to Liverpool | OneFootball

Eddie Howe revealed that Newcastle duo Sven Botman and Lewis Miley were left on the bench in the 4-1 defeat to Liverpool because of injury issues.

The Magpies had taken an early lead at Anfield through Anthony Gordon, but Hugo Ekitike’s double as well as goals from Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate handed Howe’s side a heavy defeat.

On why Botman and Miley were unused substitutes, Howe explained: “Sven had a tight thigh and we were under the advice not to use him.

“The only reason they were here and on the bench was because we were giving them every opportunity to declare themselves fit.

“Of course in the warm up they might have felt different. The recovery time is so small that you don’t always get the information you need when you need it.

“With Lewis, he couldn’t bend his knee at the sufficient angles to declare himself fit.”

Howe is hopeful that both could be back for the EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday, but says he is unsure whether Bruno Guimaraes will be able to return having missed out again against Liverpool with an ankle injury.

“I’d say probably the best chance we have would be with Sven and Lewis who were on the bench today,” Howe said.

“Bruno, I’m not 100% sure whether he’ll make it or not. There’s a chance.”

Meanwhile, Howe admits he does not expect any new signings before the end of the January transfer window, and also says Jamaal Lascelles could depart before the deadline on Monday.

“I think the only one that possibly could leave would be Jamaal Lascelles,” he said.

Reflecting on the defeat, Howe explained: “Didn’t defend well enough, definitely for the first two goals.

“That’s what happens here if you get the crowd in the game and we did and before you knew it, we were chasing the game.”