EDDIE'S BLEAK MIDWINTER

Howe's window gamble as Toon tighten their belts

- BY LEE RYDER

NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe admits that the Magpies are taking a risk by not making new signings in the winter transfer window.

Howe is confident that Newcastle can still have a strong finish to the season IF they can avoid injury woes.

United go into tonight's Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City 2-0 down from the first leg and with an absentee list that includes defensive trio Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar.

Newcastle also opted not to keep Jamaal Lascelles, who has joined Leicester, or recall Matt Targett from his loan at Middlesbrough.

But Howe said: “The squad is OK. If it was a fully fit squad, it would be really strong.