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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Bournemouth at St James’ Park (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
- Fabian Schar has ankle ligament damage but the injury it is "not as bad as it looked initially" when he was stretchered off against Crystal Palace. The defender “is seeing a specialist in the next few days to get answers.”
- Howe said "it is a huge blow" because they "have been stretched" all season in defence with Sven Botman and Dan Burn also suffering injuries.
- The latter is "making good progress" and "will be very keen to push himself back" but Howe said Newcastle "have to be careful" that they don't rush him.
- He said the FA Cup is "a magical competition" so they will "try and pick a strong team, while trusting the squad" to get through to the fourth round.
- More on the timing of this FA Cup match: "Early rounds are the most difficult because they're surrounded by loads of other games. We want to progress and do well in every competition we are in, but it will be a tough game."
- Howe said their current approach to this transfer window is "watch and breathe," but their upcoming fixtures "will have a bearing" on any business they decide to do.
- On Lewis Miley, who has played in a variety of positions for Newcastle: "I see his long-term position in midfield, but we will use him wherever the team needs. He's happy to play wherever. He was outstanding [against Palace]. I was very impressed with him."
- Defender Jamaal Lascelles is not currently training because "his body is not feeling great": "We hope that will change in the next few months. It is a possibility he could leave as well. Let's wait and see what will happen on his future."
Follow all of Friday’s FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day’s football news
Listen to live commentary of Newcastle vs Bournemouth on BBC Radio NewcastleBBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 from 15:00 GMT on Saturday
