Newcastle owner Howe insists Champions League qualification is “unfinished yet”
Eddie Howe said Newcastle won't take Champions League qualification for granted until it's mathematically confirmed.
After a strong recent form, Hipies entered the penultimate weekend of the Premier League.
They headed to second-place Arsenal on Sunday and knew the victory – unless it was a math miracle – was enough to get them the European elite position next season.
But Howe said no one in Tyneside was to lead.
He said: “It's not done yet. Pictures can change the game and I think we have to really focus on the next game and try to win the game.
“We have prepared well and got the focus from the players. Nothing is achieved until we achieve this. We have to be wholehearted and not distracted.”
Eddie Howe pursues UCL qualification:
“Not finished yet. Pictures can change the game, and I think we have to really focus on the next game and try to win the game. We've been getting ready, we're doing a good job of getting ready, and the focus is coming from the players. Nothing is… pic.twitter.com/wgi6ljaqlv
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) May 16, 2025
Botman's suspicion of Arsenal conflict
However, Newcastle will provide a complete team in the UAE region.
Jolinton is unlikely to play again this season, Kieran Trippier is a big question, while Sven Botman, the Dutch middle and middle half, has a knee problem and will be a late call.
“It was a knock on the door and his knee hit,” Howe said of Botman. “We're not sure about Sven's availability on the weekend, but we'll give him a chance to fit.
“We don't think it's a serious injury. He's not comfortable. You're going to pound and bruise in his position, which is a similar thing, and in the last two times he's really unfortunate.
“Kiran, I don’t think this weekend is suitable, but again this is not a big injury, it’s a small calf problem.
“Joe [Willock]we will open the door for him and I think he has a small chance. ”
Newcastle squad was very light when injured
Newcastle has chosen a squad in recent seasons and has been lucky enough to avoid injury to major players this semester.
However, Howe admits that this does leave his roster when the player is unavailable.
He added: “I want to be in January [transfer window] It played a role in it and we lost two players from the team. I think we did a really good job managing the squad this season. We have a very good record of injury this season, partly because there are fewer games. We managed to keep most players healthy.
“You always get one or two. But I think our roster is in the roster position and you get hurt and it looks very fast. Fingers cross, and we can stay strong until the end of the season.”
