Eddie Howe handed out updates to the media about the state of his squad for the trip to Arsenal.
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‘You have to reward players for what they deliver’
Two of the last campaign’s top performers from the left are unavailable for Newcastle United, but the club captain, who grabbed an assist off the bench against Bournemouth, is building up sharpness.
There were also words about the number nine situation as a young Denmark forward has seized his opportunity, forcing the club’s record incoming signature to sit and watch action from the sidelines.
“[Anthony Gordon] won't make this game. He hasn't trained this week. Again, not a serious injury but not in time for this game. Hopefully, the next one.
“With [Tino Livramento], he went for a scan initially. We don't think it's a bad injury. We will wait and see whether he will play again this season. He is due to have another scan at the weekend to determine the full extent of his time out.
“Tino is very level-headed, very stable, mentally. I think he's had a frustrating season, such a good season last year. He was outstanding, was fit and available and really contributed to what we delivered. This year has been different.
“That's just the life of a footballer, I'm afraid. He has never been able to get that run of games to find his best form. He is an outstanding player, we just hope he has a better run around the corner.
“[Bruno Guimaraes] has had a full week of training and he's trained really well. I've been very pleased with him. It's been tough for him. I think you could see against Bournemouth that he came on with all the right intentions to deliver a really good physical performance, but you could see that he was struggling at times physically to adapt to the pace because he really had minimal training.
"But he was playing on heart and spirit and determination. But the week he's had this week will serve him really well. He's such an important player for us on so many levels that, of course, we're keen to get him on the pitch as quickly as possible, but I've just got to make sure it's not to his detriment.
“It's been great to have him back around the group, though. He's such a positive person that he can only help and inspire the players around him.
“It is difficult because our centre forwards have been productive. Anthony Gordon played up front, he was scoring as the number nine and now Will Osula has come in and scored as a number nine.
"It is difficult, you have to reward players for what they deliver and at the moment I have gone with a different option to Nick Woltemade. There is no problem with his fitness, when he plays, he has to do the same and try and deliver the goals we need."
