Howe on team fitness, Gordon's future and summer plans

TL;DR

Eddie Howe discussed team fitness and summer plans ahead of Newcastle's match against West Ham. Key players like Joelinton and Fabian Schar are facing fitness issues, while Howe hinted at potential changes in the squad for next season.

Key points

Eddie Howe spoke to the media before the match against West Ham.
Joelinton is a doubt due to a thigh problem.
Fabian Schar is unlikely to return this season.
Howe hinted at changes in the squad for the summer.
Anthony Gordon's future remains uncertain.

Newcastle UnitedWest HamBayern MunichTottenham

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against West Ham at St James' Park (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Lewis Hall has trained all week and is available, but Joelinton is a doubt because of a "slight thigh problem". He will be assessed again before Sunday's game.
Howe confirmed Fabian Schar is unlikely to return this season and said "it is a real shame". On the defender being 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."
He described the final home game of the season as "massive" and "really important" because they need to "finish this season with a positive feeling".
On putting a run together to finish on a high: "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."
He said they are "not blindly going from game to game with no thought of what's gone on" in recent months, but they have now got "an eye" on next season.
More on looking ahead: "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."
Howe said had "no update" to give on Anthony Gordon's rumoured departure to Bayern Munich but again addressed why he 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."
He said they are "certainly not at the moment" looking for a striker in this summer window, but acknowledged "there's still work to do" to improve that department. He added: "We've got to bring it all together and try to make it work."

Q&A

What is the latest update on Joelinton's fitness for the match against West Ham?

Joelinton is a doubt due to a slight thigh problem and will be assessed before the game.

What did Eddie Howe say about Anthony Gordon's future with Newcastle?

Howe provided no update on Gordon's rumored move to Bayern Munich, stating he hasn't played since returning from injury because the team has performed well in his absence.

What are Newcastle's plans for the summer transfer window according to Eddie Howe?

Howe mentioned that there will be changes this summer, with an emphasis on giving players opportunities and preparing for the next season.