Leeds could remarkably stretch the unbeaten run to eight games on Tyneside this Wednesday evening.
A 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday means Daniel Farke last tasted defeat with Leeds at the end of November, and only narrowly as Manchester City snatched a late 3-2 win.
As Eddie Howe prepares to welcome Leeds to St James’ Park, the Magpies boss had some kind words to say about Sean Longstaff.
Eddie Howe admits Newcastle have “missed” Sean Longstaff since £12m move to Leeds United
Newcastle sold the Geordie to Leeds back in July for a sum of £12m – and he has proven to be a solid addition for Farke.
Realistically, how long can Leeds United’s unbeaten run go on for?
Daniel Farke has overseen Leeds’ longest Premier League unbeaten run since David O’Leary in 2001
Credit: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images and Phil Cole/ALLSPORT
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Longstaff was shining before a calf injury disrupted his progress, and Howe has now told the Chronicle just how valued the Leeds No.8 was at Newcastle.
The 48-year-old said: “Sean is an outstanding player. We were sad to lose him. Enjoyed working with him. He cared for the club and his love for the club is really deep. When I first worked with him you saw the level of player he is. We have missed him.”
It must have been tough for Longstaff to leave his boyhood club – where he has played since the age of nine – but after making just eight Premier League starts last season up against fierce competition in Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, the time was right to depart.
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The 49ers could soon take advantage of a similar situation over at Newcastle, as Leeds consider a move for Joe Willock – who has made just two Premier League starts this season.
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OUT: Justin, Gruev, Okafor
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Farke put Longstaff back on the bench for the 1-1 draw against Manchester United to provide the side with some experience, seeing as Ethan Ampadu was suspended.
However, the German sounds unwilling to risk the 28-year-old by playing him against Newcastle.
When asked if Longstaff could feature on Wednesday night, Farke said: “For Sean Longstaff, it will be beneficial to have at least two training days. It’s tricky for him after being out for such a long time.
“We rarely have a training session together with the team because we have to split the group, so it’s a bit tricky for a player coming back from injury, but every day will help him. We will see who is ready to go.”
As talented as Longstaff is, Leeds fans should still be confident after embarking on a seven-game unbeaten run without the Newcastle academy graduate.
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