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Newcastle United vs Brighton: Eddie Howe provides fitness update on Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy

Eddie Howe went on to heap praise on the visitors, as he expects nothing but a tough fight against Brighton.

By Karthik Raman | May 18, 2023 | 3 Min Read

Newcastle United have a difficult test at home against in-form Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. Both sides are still in the race for a top four finish, however, it is the Magpies who are close to the touchline. The home side have been impressive throughout the campaign, as teams have struggled to play against them. Be it home or away, Newcastle have been a difficult team to play for any side this season. Their defensive shape has been one of the key reasons to their success.

On the other hand, Brighton & Hove Albion are known for their attacking style of play, which involves a great deal of high pressing football. They are visiting St. James’ Park on the back of registering a thumping 3-0 victory away to Premier League title chasers Arsenal. With a lot riding on this Thursday night contest, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe gave a squad update, particularly about two their players Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy.

Speaking about Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy, the manager quoted by their club’s website told in his pre-match press conference, “I think we’re quite clear on the injury but it’s just how long it takes to heal. He made good progress yesterday so let’s see how he feels today but he won’t be involved for this game. Jacob is probably the one doubt we’ll have for the game.”

Eddie Howe on Brighton

Eddie Howe then went on to heap praise on the visitors, as he expects nothing but a tough fight against Brighton. “It’s a huge game. It’s one we’re looking forward to. I think it’s going to be a really good game between two excellent teams. I’ve got a lot of respect for Brighton and what they’ve done this season, how they play and, watching them against Arsenal in their last match, I was hugely impressed,” he added.

“They play the same shape with a couple of rotations but they’re very good at what they do. They try and play through you centrally with really good bodies in the middle of the pitch and very good technically. Roberto has done an incredible job and I’m full of praise for how he’s set the team up and the style of football he wants to play. I think it’s going to be a really tough assignment for us but one, at home, that we’re not fearful of and hopefully we’ll take a big step forward.”

‘We’re not looking too far ahead’

Newcastle United still have three games left in the Premier League season, however, their manager is only focussed on their upcoming game for the moment. “We’re not looking too far ahead. As I’ve said all season, it’s small steps and it’s the next game, trying to get three points against a really tough opponent. That’s all we can do at this moment in time. We can’t look beyond, at other teams’ fixtures and external factors,” he added.

“We have to look very much internally and bring our A game because this is going to be a really tactical game, an intriguing battle and hopefully we can show our best. I’m well aware of the importance of every game now. We’ve got three left, there’s huge competition for the top four and, deep down, I always thought there would be because the quality of the teams we’re playing and competing against and also the size of the achievement. With that, it’s never going to be easy. We’re prepared for that as staff and I think the players are. This is going to be the hardest bit and we’re going to need everybody to pull together to try and achieve it.”