Howe talks transfers after Schar, news from Livramento

Newcastle United Manager Eddie Howe has made it clear the club are working hard to be « ready to act » in the transfer window after Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento picked up long-term injuries.

Speaking of his press conference before the match before sunday Premier League game against bottom club Wolves, Howe confirmed Scharr faces three months out after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury he picked up in Newcastle’s thrilling 4-3 win over Leeds United.

Full-back Livramento, meanwhile, faces eight weeks out with a hamstring injury he picked up in last Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Bournemouth, which Newcastle won on penalties after a 3-3 extra-time draw.

All available options for Newcastle

While Newcastle are set to welcome back Dan Byrne in the coming weeks after more than a month on the sidelines with a punctured lung, the losses of Schar and Livramento leave them stretched defensively, although midfielder Lewis Miley’s impressive adaptation to playing at right-back has eased their concerns somewhat.

And when asked if they could make a move in the January transfer window to address their depth at the back, Howe said: « All options are available to us. We are trying to make the right decisions collectively.

« I think I’ve said so many times here but there’s a lot to look at. Summer activity, January activity, value for money. The right players are available so we’ll take all that into account and try to make the right decision.

« Of course we’re hoping that Dan will be back, which will be a big boost for us in the not too distant future. But then we have to make a decision with the amount of games we have to play. What is the likelihood of us getting more injuries in those positions? Hopefully it’s not something we have to deal with, but it’s very difficult to predict. I think we have to be ready to act. And I know there’s a lot of work to be done in this case. »

Howe: Elanga needs love

Although Newcastle sold former talisman Alexandre Issac to Liverpool for a British record £125m, they also invested heavily in the summer, signing Anthony Elanga, Malik Thiau, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Waltemade and Ioane Visa on permanent deals, while also bringing in goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan.

Tiau has become an integral part of Newcastle’s defence, while club record holder Waltemade has nine goals and three assists, with only Harvey Barnes and Bruno Guimaraes (both 13) registering more appearances for the team than his 12.

But £55m signing Elanga has struggled considerably, making just one assist after recording 11 last season for Nottingham Forest.

Asked about Elanga after an unimpressive performance from the bench in the 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals, Howe said: « It’s difficult for him because he comes on very late in the game, he’s got minimal minutes, he’s just come back from injury. So he hasn’t been training regularly and of course every time you step on the pitch you’re immediately assessed.

« There are some really nice things. The margins between success and failure for the team and for individuals are always so small. I think Anthony will be fine, I think he’s an amazing professional. I think my big wish is for him to play in an environment where he feels safe and feels free to express himself.

« I think there is no denying his ability and the qualities he can bring to the team. He will need a little time to find his best form but I am confident he will get there.

« My message to every player is that they love and enjoy the players we have and try to help them find their best form. And it’s the same for everyone.

« We’ve seen players here, even during my tenure, who have taken a while to find their best rhythm. Remember Anthony Gordon, Jolelinton, there are plenty of examples where it just took a while.

« We see Anthony every day, we see his qualities. He is a unique player, there are not many like him. And he has serious qualities that we need. So let’s bring love to all our players. »

Elanga is likely to feature against Wolves in some capacity, with Jacob Murphy missing out, although scans are clear on an ongoing hamstring problem. Will Osula, who can play wide and through the middle, could return from an ankle injury.