Injury news: Official photos suggest good news for Newcastle vs Man Utd
As pointed out by Chris Waugh, Newcastle United’s latest training photos speak to some good potential news on the injury front for the Toon Army ahead of the visit of Manchester United this weekend.
Posted on the official website, the images show the likes of Matty Longstaff, Paul Dummett and Ciaran Clark involved with the group after their respective problems, while the accompanying article also reveals Jamal Lewis was able to train despite a knock picked up while on international duty with Northern Ireland.
Fortunately, Jamaal Lascelles was also pictured and though it’s not clear as to what state of fitness any of these names are in, it’s obviously a boost for Steve Bruce.
Indeed, the skipper leads the way in terms of clearances per game as well as being the central defender who wins the most aerial duels, so potentially having him available for the visit of Marcus Rashford and company is certainly a boost. Meanwhile, Longstaff provides another option in the centre of the park, actually having the highest expected goals of any Toon midfielder last season.
Has Steve Nickson done a good job?
Dummett and Clark may not be first choice but do offer reinforcement, especially if Bruce wants to revert to three at the back, with both more than capable of operating as central-defenders or at left-back. So far this season, Lewis has proven a resolute option on the left of a defensive four, stopping 60% of the dribbles attempted past him, so is obviously first choice, though it’s a boost to have other options given Matt Ritchie is out of action after surgery.