While the imminent return of Callum Wilson is obviously a boost, it will be another week until Newcastle United see him link-up with a man who knows his game inside out.
Indeed, his partnership with Ryan Fraser is well-documented and, according to Steve Bruce (interview posted on the club’s official Twitter feed) we could start to see it again next week. Currently, the Scotsman is still out with hamstring tear that stopped him playing a part in his country’s qualification for the delayed Euro 2020.
We’re still yet to see the best of Fraser in a Newcastle shirt. While it is understandable that a man who had not played since March when he debuted against Blackburn in September would take some time to get up to speed, there is no doubting that some of the niggling injuries along the way have deprived the side of some attacking thrust.
If the last few games have told us anything, it’s that Allan Saint-Maximin cannot do it alone. Handed a freer role, the Frenchman hasn’t been able to impose himself centrally, where the pitch is naturally more crowded. Should Fraser be up to speed soon, the idea of the two interchanging behind Wilson is certainly exciting.
Should Darlow be dropped for Dubravka when fit?
Yes
No
Already this season, Fraser has set-up a goal for his former Bournemouth teammate. Given the Magpies are struggling for invention (no player has recorded more than one assist), his return should see Bruce’s side become much more of a threat in the final third.
As he proved against Everton, his pace can cause serious problems and few would doubt his ability to provide at this level generally given his exploits for years on the South Coast.
Palace tomorrow will come too soon for Fraser. For Newcastle, his return can’t come soon enough.