Positivity is key within the Newcastle Eagles camp this weekend as Marc Steutel’s men grapple with an ongoing injury crisis ahead of a huge double header.

The men in black host a Surrey 89ers side with their tails up following last weekend’s impressive win against the Caledonia Gladiators.

And Newcastle face the beaten and bruised Scots — minus former head coach Gareth Murray — on Sunday anticipating a big reaction north of the border.

It’s likely the Eagles will once again be missing sidelined trio Darius Defoe, Will Neighbour and Josh Ward-Hibbert.

At the same time, it’s all quiet on the recruitment front despite fresh moves to bolster a seriously short-handed roster.

“I always talk about what we can control,” said Steutel.

“We have to try and find a way of getting the guys who are injured back on the floor, while still looking to make the right additions to the group.

“Until we do that then it’s all about maintaining a positive attitude and doing the basics well, day to day.

“I can’t really provide anything concrete on the guys who are injured or in terms of incoming players.

“There are best and worst case scenarios in both cases and, like everyone else, I’m keeping everything crossed for some progress.

“After Sunday we go into the international break and I’d like to think we’ll have some good news before we face Dziki Warszawa towards the end of the month.”

A full-strength Newcastle side would be confident of taking maximum points this weekend.

But two games inside 48 hours will seriously test an Eagles roster unfortunate to lose at London Lions last weekend.

“Surrey will be tough,” added Steutel. “They have a unique identity in terms of how they play offensively, their spacing and what they try to create.

“We’ve got to be ready to defend multiple actions, defend their key personnel and force them to play the style we want to impose every night.”

Surrey basketball looked like a thing of the past earlier this year following the collapse of the British Basketball League.

But a management team led by Great Britain stalwart Dan Clark resurrected the former Scorchers franchise as the renamed 89ers.

And Steutel added: “That was great news for the game. Surrey’s fan base is incredible and they’ve always been supportive of their team through good moments and bad.

“It’s fantastic that they have Dan leading the franchise as general manager. He’s a Great Britain legend and genuine basketball person.

“Outside of the games against Newcastle I wish them all the best but there’s no room for sentiment this weekend.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge on Friday but we know that the 89ers will come up here full of confidence after beating Caledonia last weekend.”

Steutel will need another Herculean effort from big man Malcolm Delpeche with Cole Long expected to provide a supporting role inside.

And Newcastle’s playcaller will be looking to new point guard Jared Bynum to exert greater influence with the ball.

Jaelin Llewellyn’s replacement has yet to fire on all cylinders but those working with the US star behind the scenes feel he’s on the brink of a breakout game for the Eagles.

The Friday night clash against Surrey tips off at 7.30pm with remaining tickets available from the box office.