Eddie Howe urges patience as Newcastle star requires 'pre-season' program originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Nick Woltemade had his best "physical performance" against Benfica and Howe added: "His pressing from the front, his durability and his robustness was excellent, but the challenge for him is being able to put in that kind of performance every three or four days now - and that isn't easy."

Eddie Howe had hinted at his pre-match press conference that the Italian may not feature against Benfica after revealing he had been suffering with illness. Tonali missed training with his teammates on Monday and, despite being named on the bench by Howe for the visit of Benfica, remained an unused substitute.

It had been reported that Tonali agreed to sign a new contract with Newcastle in secret during his ban and the Italy international approached the Magpies about taking a wage cut to help the club financially, with Howe unable to use the midfielder for a lengthy period.

Yoane Wissa won’t be involved but Sky Sports report that the striker saw a specialist on Thursday for a check up and is on track to return to the playing squad in these next two weeks. Eddie Howe though has cautioned that patience is going to be needed with a player who has played no club football for over five months.

"I think that's a very good sign for him," Howe added when asked about his team-mates celebrating with Pope against Benfica. "He's got the full respect of the dressing room. He's consistent. He's a consistent person. He's the same every day. Very positive. But he's got this desire to learn still.

Nick Woltemade had his best "physical performance" against Benfica and Howe added: "His pressing from the front, his durability and his robustness was excellent, but the challenge for him is being able to put in that kind of performance every three or four days now - and that isn't easy."

GRAHAM POTTER wants to make one of Eddie Howe’s most-trusted lieutenants his No2 at Sweden. And it could be good news for misfiring Alexander Isak. Newcastle assistant Graeme Jones has emerged as