Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe addressed the media on Friday ahead of Sunday's final Premier League match of the season against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Howe provided crucial squad fitness updates, notably regarding midfielder Sandro Tonali, who remains a doubt after suffering a suspected hamstring injury during last weekend's 3-1 victory over West Ham United.
"Sandro, potentially, will be available. We will look at him again today.
We don’t think it is anything serious," Howe said.
Newcastle enters the season finale sitting eleventh in the Premier League table with 49 points.
The Magpies have experienced a recent turnaround, securing seven points from their last three matches following a string of five consecutive defeats.
Depending on Sunday's final results, Newcastle could finish the campaign as high as ninth or as low as fourteenth, while a victory for Fulham would see the host overtake them in the standings.
The squad faces significant selection issues, with at least five players ruled out of the London trip.
Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Miley will miss the match due to injuries, while Joelinton is also expected to sit out because of a thigh problem.
Fulham will be without the injured Ryan Sessegnon, and defender Joachim Andersen is unavailable due to suspension.
Howe Optimistic Despite Missing European Qualification
Howe expressed optimism about finishing the 2025/26 campaign strongly despite missing out on European qualification for next season.
He noted that the absence of European fixtures might simplify the club's objectives moving forward, allowing for a clearer focus on domestic competitions.
"We hope to continue the upturn in our recent performances, upturn in our in-possession play, we want to end the season high, it is an important match for us," he said.
The Newcastle manager also praised young striker William Osula, who scored twice in the recent victory against West Ham.
Howe emphasized the forward's physical profile and immense potential for future development within the team.
"He is at a really good age, lots of things to continue to work on, there are lots of untapped areas we can develop," Howe said.
Howe further discussed the long-term potential of the young striker as the club prepares for the upcoming summer transfer window.
"The ceiling in his development is really high. He has the raw ingredients, the physical profile too," he said.
Reflecting on the final home game at St. James' Park, Howe acknowledged the positive atmosphere the victory generated for the squad and supporters alike.
"It was great to win our last home game. That left us all with a great feeling.
We want to end the season on a real high," he said.
Looking ahead to the upcoming months, Howe touched upon contract discussions with defender Fabian Schar, whose current deal expires this summer, and outlined his expectations for a smoother transfer window ahead of the next campaign.
Howe reiterated his immediate focus on the final match before shifting attention to building a stronger, tighter squad during the break.
