Football's midfield is often referred to as a minefield because it's a confrontational battleground where matches can be crucially won and lost. For Eddie Howe right now minefield is indeed an apt word with Newcastle United surrounded by uncertainty and apprehension as they prepare to return to Premier League action at Brighton on Saturday knowing that Benfica and the Champions League is coming up rapidly three days later.

Currently there are question marks against no fewer than four of Howe's top operators and while Howe will be praying the mists of doubt are swept away through the passing of the next few days, nothing is guaranteed and worries remain especially with such a demanding reintroduction to a packed football programme.

Problems? Sure, Bruno and Joelinton have endured and continue to endure a nightmare tour across Asia which threatens to leave them exhausted physically and mentally.

New signing Jacob Ramsey has been injured for the last six weeks and is only edging his way back to the sort of match sharpness required at...