Newcastle Utd News

‘A huge loss’ – Some Newcastle fans react as injury leaves Toon ‘In a mini crisis’

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Newcastle United are waiting for news on the severity of Matt Ritchie’s hamstring injury picked up during Tuesday’s friendly with Hibernian, according to the Chronicle.

The 29-year-old was forced off after ten minutes of the pre-season clash, leaving the club in a state of panic after Steve Bruce labelled the midfielder come wing-back one of his key players.

Rolando Aarons replaced the former Scotland international against Hibs, and, with doubt over Ritchie’s fitness, is expected to start in his place against Saint-Etienne at the weekend and potentially at home to Arsenal in the season opener unless the club sign a replacement.

Magpies chiefs are believed to have reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for the transfer of Stanley Nsoki, but are yet to come to an agreement with the 20-year-old over personal terms as United are alleged to have low-balled the defender.

Newcastle are currently waiting to hear the results of Ritchie’s scan though, and new Toon boss Bruce hopes it will not show signs of a lengthy blow.

“We hope it’s not serious,” he said, after the Hibernian game.

“That’s the awful thing at Hibs, because we’re a bit shy in that area. He’ll have a scan in the next 48 hours, and hopefully it’s not too bad.

“He’s nicked a hamstring. Whether it’s a strain or how serious it is we do not know.”

Ritchie made 39 appearances across all competitions during the 2018/19 season, with 18 of his appearances coming at left-back and eleven in his natural right-midfield slot.

Here’s how these Newcastle fans reacted to Bruce’s comments on Ritchie’s potential hamstring injury…

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