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Howe on Gordon's injury, Tonali and set-pieces

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup game against Chelsea (kick-off 19:45 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Howe confirmed Anthony Gordon picked up an injury in training on Friday: "He has been for a scan, we are hopeful the injury isn't serious, let's see how he is today. There is a chance he [could play this week], but we have to make the right decision."

  • When asked about the negative reaction from some fans when Sandro Tonali has been substituted off in the past two matches: "I love that the supporters regard Sandro in the highest esteem as I do. The only thing I would ask is that any frustrations are reflected after the match, rather than in the moment. It creates an element of doubt."

  • On the importance of the League Cup: "It has been an important competition for us since we have been here and that has not changed. We will pick a team to win the game. Chelsea are a difficult opponent, I am sure they will make changes, but with those changes they will still be a very strong team. We are desperate to progress."

  • When asked if Lewis Miley is in his plans for Wednesday's match: "We have to be really careful with Lewis, we need to manage him right. He's trained well, no problem with his training performances. I will be taking guidance by the experts to make sure we don't push him too quickly."

  • Howe was asked why Newcastle are struggling to score from corners this season: "I think we've had a lot of chances. I hate to use xG, but our xG from set plays isn't too bad. It's competitive, we should have scored at least one. We are missing a few key corner takers, and missing a bit of the height and strength we've had previously. We will have to evolve again."

  • On Chelsea: "This is one game where they could make wholesale changes or one or two changes, we don't know what they will do. We need to plan for what we will do, we know there are certain aspects of our performance that we need to get right to win and that will be our focus."

  • On the January transfer window: "My part in that will probably take prominence towards the end of November. There is probably a lot of work going on behind the scenes that I'm not a part of, but I will begin to get involved."

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[BBC]