Howe on team fitness, 'season-defining month' and Crystal Palace

Lewis Hall is expected to be fine for Sunday's game, but they will have "a closer look" at him on Friday.

Defenders Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier are "close" to returning, with Howe not saying for certain whether Sunday could be a possibility for either of them. Emil Krafth is a bit further behind in his recovery.

Sven Botman has been training with the group this week so there is a possibility he could be "in and around" Sunday's game.

He said the return of any of the defenders would "boost the squad in terms of numbers" as they've been "very thin on the ground" in terms of back-line options.

Joe Willock "isn't close" to a return yet "but he is improving", so the end of January is a realistic aim for the midfielder to be back fit.

Howe said "January will be a season-defining month" for Newcastle as they play nine games across many competitions "with minimal rest between games."

He said the majority of those being home matches "is a positive" because it is minimal travelling and they have a "really good" home record.

On why it is "season-defining," Howe said: "We're in there fighting and scrapping for every point that we can in the Premier League. It's not been plain sailing, but the points gap is minimal so if we can put a run together then things can change quickly. We haven't been able to do it yet, but this is the moment. Our focus is there."

In response to how the club are viewing the transfer window: "We have a very well-balanced squad when everyone is fit, but if we start to lose players to injury during such a crucial month then it leaves a very different opinion."

On opponents Crystal Palace: "It will be a difficult game because their away form is good and they are a very good defensive team. [They're] solid and tough to score against. It's a game we can do well in if we are at our best level, but it's a game we need to prepare well for."