Newcastle return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years when they take on AC Milan at the San Siro (5.45pm KO BST). The Magpies have the daunting task of trying to get out of a group that also includes Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.
Milan were thumped 5-1 by city rivals Inter at the weekend and Eddie Howe is unsure how they will respond tonight.
“I’ve just heard, I don’t know whether that’s a good thing for us or not. I need to watch that game and analyse it and we’ll try to give a good performance,” he said. “I think my mindset is to try and win every game. Whether that’s in the Premier League, the Champions League, the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup, they’re all important.
“There’s no preference to any competition, and in my mind the league form is so important. You’re judged over 38 games.”
KEY EVENTS
Man’s daughter speaks out
The daughter of the Newcastle fan that was hospitalised has spoken to Sky Sports. She said: “My dad is stable but in shock. He is gutted he’s missing the match but just wants every other Newcastle fan out there to be aware of this and be safe.
“He just had two knee replacements so he fell when he was being chased and that is when he was attacked. I’m flying out there.”
Newcastle break UEFA rule
Newcastle broke UEFA rules by turning up late for their pre-match press conference in Milan last night.
The media event was scheduled to kick off at 7pm local time but Eddie Howe did not appear until 9pm.
Newcastle’s flight to Milan was delayed due to storms in the area. Howe said: “It’s just part and parcel of the job that we do. It’s not out of the normal that that can happen. This was a weather problem, but we’ve been in similar situations. It’s something we’re used to, although it’s a slightly later arrival time than we would have liked for the players. It’s no big deal, though.”
Update on fan’s condition
Italian outlet La Repubblica claim the Newcastle supporter who was stabbed in the back and arm was attacked by around eight local thugs but his condition is stable and he will be ‘released from hospital shortly’.
Club statement
A club spokesperson said: “We are deeply concerned by reports that a supporter was seriously assaulted in Milan on Monday evening and we are liaising with local authorities to understand the circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with the supporter and their family and we hope for a full and speedy recovery.”
Newcastle fan stabbed
A Newcastle fan was stabbed in the back while walking to his hotel in Milan last night, local Italian media report.
It is claimed the 58-year-old man was set upon by masked thugs in the popular tourist drinking hotspot Navigli.
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