Overview
- Eddie Howe said Fabian Schär is in hospital with an ankle problem and looks unlikely to feature in the FA Cup tie against Bournemouth.
- Howe indicated he would be comfortable deploying Lewis Miley at centre-back and noted the teenager has trained in the role.
- With Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth out and Sven Botman not fully fit, options narrow to Malick Thiaw and youngster Alex Murphy.
- Miley impressed by covering right-back, midfield and centre-half in the 4-3 win over Leeds, enhancing his standing with coaches and teammates.
- The i reports Newcastle plan a cautious January due to PSR and UEFA cost rules, viewing Miley as a key asset after dismissing loan talk previously linked to Crystal Palace.