Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has explained his decision to leave out Sean Longstaff against Aston Villa.
The Geordie only managed 22 minutes of the game at Villa park on Saturday.
With the Magpies losing 3-0 to the Midlands club, Howe was asked questions about his team selection post-game.
Howe said after the game: "Sean's had some illness, so we weren't quite sure how long he could play either. All these things are factored into my decision-making.
"Sean had a bout of tonsilitis in the week, so he didn't train. We felt he wasn't fit to start the game.
"I don't think his absence necessarily affects where Bruno is playing on the pitch, but we maybe missed Sean's tenacity and his legs and energy. His endurance levels are at the very highest level, and we didn't look right in midfield."
