Eddie Howe has expressed his concern for former Newcastle and Bournemouth midfielder Christian Atsu after he was reported missing in the aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
The 31-year-old Ghana international's whereabouts remain unknown following the disaster in southern Turkey and northern Syria during the early hours of Monday morning after his current club Hatayspor revealed claims that he had been rescued were untrue.
Magpies head coach Howe, who worked with Atsu during a loan spell at Bournemouth from Chelsea during the 2015-16 season, said: 'It's hugely worrying.
'I really, really enjoyed working with Christian, a great lad, great player. Our thoughts are with him and his family.
'We hope for some good news, we hope he's OK, but we're really concerned for him and his welfare this week.'
The whereabouts of Hatayspor player Christian Atsu (L) remain unknown despite claims of his rescue
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Atsu spent five seasons at Newcastle, the first of them on loan, and helped the club fight its way back into the Premier League before leaving during the summer of 2021, and he is remembered fondly by team-mates and staff alike.
Howe added: 'It has been difficult because there have been conflicting stories coming...
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