INJURY WOOE FOR NEWCASTLE AS 8STAR SET TO BE SIDELINE WOVLV ADVANTAGE
The Newcastle United players were gutted as they walked off the St James’ Park pitch, a tight game seeing them lose out 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund, United denied by the woodwork twice and some great saves by the visiting keeper.
As well as the disappointing result, for Eddie Howe other worries also on his mind.
The NUFC boss wondering just how many Newcastle United players he will not be able to consider, when picking his team v Wolves on Saturday.
I have counted eight Newcastle United players…
Harvey Barnes – Out until at least the new year with a foot injury.
Alexander Isak – After Borussia Dortmund defeat, Eddie Howe says a recurrence of a groin problem but he doesn’t think it is serious
Jacob Murphy – A suspected shoulder dislocation after coming on as a sub last night, Eddie Howe worried he could be out for some time.
Elliot Anderson – Absent from the matchday squad for Borussia Dortmund, Eddie Howe revealing after the match that Anderson is expected to be out for a few weeks with a back problem.
Joe Willock – Eddie Howe forced to introduce him when Murphy replaced Joelinton and very quickly injured his shoulder. Getting his first minutes after over five months out, Willock clearly not 100 per cent and surely it will be bench again on Saturday, as he isn’t yet fully match fit to start.
Sven Botman – Recovering from a knee injury, not expected back for another two or three weeks.
Lewis Miley – Recovering from glandular fever and expected to be unavailable for a few more weeks.
Sandro Tonali – Announcement of a ban is said to be imminent and set to be in place before the end of this week.
It is going to be some balancing act for Eddie Howe, as when you look at the upcoming schedule, five huge games coming up across only fifteen days.
As I mentioned above, surely no way that the Head Coach will consider Joe Willock as a starter on Saturday. The last thing he will want is to have a major setback just when Willock is on his way back, especially with so many games coming up.
We need Joe Willock back fully fit ASAP and to stay that way, for all kinds of reasons. Not least because if Isak is going to be out for at least a few weeks, then I can’t see how you can start Callum Wilson in all of these five matches coming up. So I think every chance Anthony Gordon will be used as a striker, as he was when England Under 21s won the Euros in the summer, with Willock then likely to play on the left once fully fit.
Stats via BBC Sport:
Newcastle 0 Borussia Dortmund 1 – Wednesday 25 October 8pm
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Nmecha 44
