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.
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"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.
