By Frank McAvennie

7th Nov, 2023 | 1:46pm

McAvennie drops verdict as Newcastle United casualty list mounts - 'Eddie Howe knows...'

Newcastle United will struggle to contend in Europe during their injury crisis.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie claimed that Eddie Howe’s player development skills could help the Magpies navigate a tough part of the season.

The club’s growing injury list includes Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Harvey Barnes, but secured a 3-0 League Cup win over Man United and a controversial 1-0 against Arsenal in their last two games.

Newcastle face Borussia Dortmund in a crucial Champions League clash on Tuesday (7 November) following inconsistent form in Europe, including a recent 1-0 defeat to the German side.

McAvennie fears that the injury crisis could have its biggest impact in Europe but trusts Howe to get the most out of the “not as good” back-up players.

“I think they will struggle when you’re in Europe and you’re playing that many games,” he told Football Insider.

“It’s the pinnacle, that’s where you want to be so I hate people complaining about European ties – that’s what you fight all year to get.

“When you can’t get the Champions League, you get the Europa League or the Conference League, but it’s money for the club.

“I hate everyone complaining about it. That will not be why the Newcastle players are injured, but such is life, injuries happen, in training or during games.

“Newcastle are going to be a major force. At this moment in time, they’re not. If Liverpool or Manchester City get injuries, they’ve got players to cover it.

“That’s where Newcastle have to get to, but at the moment, the players that are coming in [for injured players] are not as good.

“Eddie Howe will know that. He’s made so many good players better and you can tell just the way he is that he’s doing well.”

In other news, Newcastle United have launched an internal probe after a £5.6m Sandro Tonali reveal.