Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is upbeat about their attacking options ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal at St James' Park.
Howe says Jacob Ramsey will not be fit for the game, though Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon are available.
He said this morning: "Jacob is doing OK, it is an issue we are managing. He is fit and available, but some days he has been sore, so we are just trying to manage his load.
"His recovery is going well; he is on the grass working hard and building his fitness back up. I think it will be after the international break that we see him. Anything before that, then he will be ahead of schedule."
On Gordon, Howe said: "It is a big boost for us to have him back fully. He can really focus on the few games we have ahead of the next international break. I thought he was excellent against Bradford. He is a player that rises to the occasion, and we are going to need everyone to do that on Sunday."
Woltemade's best role
Meanwhile, Howe also reviewed the first weeks of Woltemade as a Toon player.
"I see him as a nine. He plays it differently to other strikers we’ve had in the past, it is about utilising Nick’s strengths. I was really impressed with him in the short time he had on Wednesday, he showed his creative flair.
It is difficult to see him a 10, we don't play that position. I see him as a nine, you can't compare him to Callum Wilson, he was a different type of player. It is a case of understanding him and where he wants the ball."
Relieved to count on Osula
Howe also reacted to reports this week how Will Osula came so close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt before the summer transfer deadline. The Toon manager conceded some relief that he's been able to count on the striker given their early-season injury issues.
"The situation with Will, we felt and he felt, he needed to play regularly," said Howe. "After last year's development behind the scenes.
"There was a need for him to play. That move did not happen, very much to our benefit and to Will's benefit.
"He is doing well, and I was really pleased with him on Wednesday.
"He did a lot of work, individual work last season, focused on all aspects of his game. He is here and he has done well. He had an excellent performance on Wednesday (against Bradford), two brilliant goals, and it could have been more."
We'll be desperate
Howe, switching to what he expects from Arsenal, is confident they'll go toe-to-toe on Sunday.
He said: “It’s always been competitive in the games that I’ve been here and there has been an edge to those games because both teams are desperate to win.
"We encourage that. The more competitive we are, the better we play so certainly we need to bring that side."
Miley reaction
Before signing off, Howe also had a word for Lewis Miley after the youngster was targeted by unhappy fans.
Senior teammates have already jumped to the youngster's defence and Howe said: "He is an outstanding player. I would tell him to listen to people who matter in life, like family and friends.
"We will treat him like the talent he is."