Eddie Howe insists Newcastle 'want the competition' of the Carabao Cup despite ELEVEN injuries to their squad - as he declares it's 'our best chance of winning a trophy' ahead of quarter-final showdown against Chelsea

Eddie Howe says there is no part of him wants out of the Carabao Cup despite mounting injuries - and has told his Newcastle players there is no scope for a Christmas party.

If the Magpies were to hold a festive bash, they could well have it in the canteen of the clinic they use for private scans, given two more players will visit there on Monday. Fabian Schar (glute) and Joelinton (hamstring) are the latest additions to the injury list.

Alexander Isak (groin) had a scan last week and is doubtful for Tuesday’s quarter-final trip to Chelsea, while Harvey Barnes (foot), Joe Willock (Achilles) and Elliot Anderson (back) have all sought specialist opinions in recent weeks.

But Howe refuses to use the absentees - currently numbering 11 - 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 Sunderland in the FA Cup third round.

‘We’ve been thrust into the most difficult cup draws,’ said Howe. ‘But that has really stretched us and taken us out of our comfort zone. It’s made us improve, although sometimes you need a bit longer to show that improvement, but no part of me regrets that or thinks, “Oh, it’s a negative”.

‘It’s a positive. It is forcing us to improve continually and to be the team we want to be long term. We have to be exposed to those games to get closer.’

Meanwhile, Howe was asked if his players would be enjoying a Christmas party this month.

‘I certainly hope not!’ he said. ‘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!’