Eddie Howe has conceded that Newcastle United made errors in managing player fitness this season, leading to a spate of long-term injuries that have derailed their Champions League and Premier League campaigns. The manager acknowledged that players were 'overloaded' and that the club's training programmes may have been insufficient.
At times, more than 11 first-team players were sidelined simultaneously, with key figures such as Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Joelinton, and Joe Willock missing Saturday's match at Nottingham Forest. Howe noted that the length of absences—three to four months for five to eight players—has stretched the squad and contributed to further injuries.
Howe said: 'It's not just the number of injuries we've had but the length of time those players have been out for. We've made mistakes. Certainly we could do things better.' He attributed some injuries to excessive load and inadequate gym programmes, adding: 'If we are sitting here going we have not made any mistakes I think we are being fools.'
To address the issue, Newcastle have appointed Jonny King as head physiotherapist, replacing Danny Murphy. King, who worked with Howe at Bournemouth, will review each injury to identify preventable causes. Howe also expressed concern about the club's environmental impact, particularly flying to away games, and pledged to improve sustainability around the training ground.
