Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against West Ham at St James' Park (kick-off 17:30 BST), offering updates on team fitness, player futures, and summer plans.

There’s positive news on the injury front: Lewis Hall has trained all week and is available for selection. However, Joelinton remains a doubt due to a "slight thigh problem" and will be assessed before matchday. In a more somber update, Howe confirmed that defender Fabian Schar is unlikely to return this season, calling it "a real shame." With Schar out of contract this summer, Howe added, "He’s still got a lot to offer on the pitch. His quality is still there, but he’s had a difficult season. I will have discussions with him and his representatives in the next week."

Howe emphasized the importance of the final home game of the season, describing it as "massive" and "really important" for the team to "finish this season with a positive feeling." Reflecting on the team’s recent form, he said, "We’re going in the right direction. We have to build momentum and confidence in what we’re doing. The players will take this game, and the next, into the summer with them."

Looking ahead, Howe admitted the club is not just focused on the present. "We’re not blindly going from game to game with no thought of what’s gone on," he explained. "At this stage of the season, you’ve always got an eye on the future. We’re going into a transfer window with a lot of unknowns for us. There will be a feeling of change this summer, I’m sure. We need to give players opportunities and try things for the future with a view for next season."

When asked about Anthony Gordon’s rumored move to Bayern Munich, Howe offered no update but addressed why the winger hasn’t played since returning from injury: "He’s just come back, and I think the team has played well in his absence. But it’s with a partial view for the future, yes."

As for summer recruitment, Howe confirmed the club is "certainly not at the moment" looking for a striker in the upcoming window, suggesting other priorities may be on the agenda. With the season winding down, all eyes are on how the Magpies finish strong—and how they’ll gear up for what promises to be a transformative summer.