It seems that Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark has returned from international duty this October break with an injury from his time with the Republic of Ireland.
With a poor start to the season for Rafa Benitez’s boys, whatever anyone thinks about the 29-year-old’s individual form, Benitez has called on him eight times already across all competitions, so if he is ruled out the Spanish gaffer won’t welcome the selection complications it will bring.
Ahead of their game against Wales on Tuesday evening, the player pulled out of the squad with a reported thigh injury but as I type, the severity isn’t known and should he be out, we are losing depth at the heart of defence and we need all the options we can get to turn our season around.
I’m actually hopeful he can’t play because it forces us to play Lascelles + Fernandez / Schar. Clark is a liability at premier league level
— Potts (@Potts_131) October 17, 2018
Yea we're hoping he's not fit
— #rafain (@pxuldummett) October 16, 2018
Was absolutely no point in signing Schar if he can't even make matchday 18.
Even Manquillo and Clark chosen ahead of him.
In my opinion another baffling non selection.— GARY HOLLIDAY ????????⚽️????⛳ (@GAZHOLL14) October 16, 2018
Anddddddd????? We have Schär, Fernandez, Lascelles and Dummett can play there also
— Owen W. Shepherd (@OwenWShepherd) October 16, 2018
“Newcastle are sweating on the fitness of Ciaran Clark”
Nope⬇️ https://t.co/pExL0ggBoS
— Them???? (@JonnyMartin1) October 16, 2018
So Swiss international Schar isnt up to Clark standard. Joke
— Gordon G (@GordonG22552156) October 16, 2018
Personally, I think the above reactions can be considered on the harsh side, but a number of fans are clearly seeing the benefits of Benitez having his hand forced on this issue.