Loads of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media after Steve Bruce addressed Andy Carroll’s injury and chances of the striker earning a new contract.
Carroll was given a one-year, pay-as-you-play deal upon his return to St. James’ Park last summer, having been signed as a free agent after being released by West Ham United following an injury-ravished career in East London.
Carroll’s deal with United features an automatic extension clause that triggers upon the Gateshead-born target man featuring 20 times this season, which he is currently six short of meeting with 11 Premier League games and any remaining FA Cup ties to play.
Bruce is not overly concerned by Carroll falling short of the 20 game target, though, and is instead focusing on seeing the 31-year-old recover from a hip flexor injury sustained while attempting a volley in training.
“I have not thought about it [Carroll’s contract] really,” Bruce told the Chronicle. “The big thing is to just get fit for Andy.
“It has been the story for a couple of years. The good thing is his ankle is OK.”
Will the club offer Carroll a new contract?
Yes
No
Carroll was forced to undergo two surgeries on his ankle during what proved to be his final campaign with West Ham, as he strived to find a cure for his long-standing issue.
The operation meant he could not make his second Toon debut until the sixth match of the season, while his hip flexor issue has sidelined the nine-time England international for our last five league games.
Bruce has not yet put a timeframe on Carroll’s return, though there is a potential he could feature in our trip to Southampton on March 7.
“We’re not going to give a time scale,” Bruce added. “It was a freak thing.
“He kicked a ball and jumped for a ball and hurt himself. Thankfully, again, it’s not his ankle.”
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Bruce’s comments…
Will he ever be back ? Did he ever come back or did I just dream it ? https://t.co/q5ekx8J05j
— Paul Davison (@PaulDav86486288) February 25, 2020
‘Freak injury’? He’s suffered similar ‘freak injuries’ his entire career. He was a ridiculous signing, designed to appease a minority but vocal section of ‘fans’ and lauded by Ashley’s media mates. He’s offered nothing since his return. And he should just disappear and run a pub.
— Harry Keogh (@HarryKeogh5) February 25, 2020
Embarrassment
— Barry Bowerbank (@BazzaB1971) February 25, 2020
Aye he should be fit for the end of season team party.
— Barry (@ground_hogday) February 25, 2020
Season will be over by the times he’s fit…
— Chris Cossey (@Cosseycj) February 25, 2020
Knowing his form he will probably catch coronovirus.
— Rob Watson (@whickhamrobbie) February 25, 2020
If hes managed correctly and deployed from the bench at the right time…well capable for getting us 3 points be patient get fit and ready
— Crabs Eyelash (@StevenRevely) February 25, 2020
When he is fit he is a cracking
— llewellyn pengelly (@whereiswelly) February 25, 2020
He’s a walking injury
— Stuart Pearce (@stuart_pearce) February 25, 2020
It’s always something else with AC isn’t it
— Paul Hewitt (@PaulHew03845348) February 25, 2020
Like being hit by lightning – A bolt from the blue 🤷🏻♂️
— Cinzano Bianco (@cinzanobianco) February 25, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, a £35k-p/w player will not feature against Burnley in the absence of a £20m international.