Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle’s injury list will dictate his transfer policy throughout January

Eddie Howe warned that the Newcastle team is not deep enough to compete on three fronts in its current state this season.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup third round, the Magpies are third in the Premier League and entertain Leicester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday.

Howe has been boosted by the return to training of Alexander Isak, the £60m striker who has been missing since October with a torn thigh muscle.

Eddie Howe has revealed that his forays into the transfer market will be dictated by injuries to his current squad.

But injuries to defender Matt Targett and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, both sidelined until February, have left them light in key areas.

Howe says financial fair play remains an issue due to spending in excess of £200m last year.

However, when asked if his squad was strong enough to compete in all three competitions, Howe said: “We’ve spent money on the previous two windows and FFP is impacting what we can do.” FFP and our need to improve are two different things.

‘No injuries, yes (our team is strong enough). With injuries, probably not. So, we have two injuries right now, Jonjo and Matt Targett, which are a huge blow to us, to get two quality players out of a team that isn’t very deep in terms of numbers.

Howe is without Matt Targett (left) and Jonjo Shelvey (right) due to injury

But the Magpies boss has been buoyed by the return of star signing Alexander Isak

“That’s why the transfer talk is interesting from our perspective, because it will be related to injuries.” With a complete group, I think we are strong enough and have quality in all positions, but you lose a few players and suddenly that changes.

‘It will be the disabled list that dictates what we do in terms of transfers, not so much the games. And we really want to progress, we want the extra games…’

Isak could return to the bench at Hillsborough this weekend, as Howe said: “It’s not clear to me yet because I don’t want to put pressure on him.” We will introduce it at the right time.

He is getting closer and closer and has trained with the team. I am pleased with your progress. Let’s wait and see.

If and when we get Alex back, it will be a huge boost. It’s a cliché, but it will be like a new signing for us. He’s a huge player with great skill, so we’re looking forward to having him back on the field.”