Howe CANCELS Christmas at Newcastle as fixtures and injuries pile up for Magpies

Eddie Howe was doing his best Grinch impression on Monday as he cancelled Christmas at Newcastle.

The Magpies play in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Chelsea on Tuesday night as the fixtures - and the injuries - come thick and fast at the club.

Fabian Schar (glute) and Joelinton (hamstring) are the latest additions to a list of absentees that numbers 11.

And when asked if his players would be enjoying a Christmas bash, Howe said: 'I certainly hope not! If they are, it is unbeknown to me. We have too many games and too busy a schedule for a party like that, I hope!'

Alexander Isak (groin) is doubtful for the trip to Stamford Bridge, while Harvey Barnes (foot) and Joe Willock (Achilles) have both suffered setbacks in recent weeks.

Howe, though, refuses to use the injuries as reason to relegate the Carabao Cup in its importance, especially not after making the final last season.

'Absolutely not,' he said, when asked if defeat could be a blessing. 'We want the games, we want the competition. We want the excitement of challenging for trophies. That's where we have to be, not just now but in the future.

'The dream didn't turn to reality (last season), but maybe this year. It's our best chance of winning a trophy at the moment, because we're advanced in the competition and getting down to the serious end of it. That is why this game takes on big importance for us.

'You go back to the last round, at Manchester United, the players stood up and gave an outstanding performance. This will be very similar, and we will need to give more.'

Newcastle have beaten both Manchester clubs to reach the last eight, on the back of a Champions League group including PSG, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. They will also travel to North-East rivals