NUFC star set to miss Chelsea game – Expected return date revealed in new statement

In an official statement released this afternoon, the club have confirmed that Matt Ritchie has undergone a ‘minor ankle operation’.

The club confirm that the surgery has been ‘successful’, stating that the 30-year-old is hoping to resume full training ‘shortly’ and could return to first-team action ‘towards the end of the month’.

He was expected to return at the back end of last month at one stage, but with his latest injury setback and surgery in mind, it looks like he’ll be pushing to return for our clash with Wolves on Sunday 27th October.

Here’s the club’s official statement:

Newcastle United can confirm that Matt Ritchie has undergone a minor ankle operation.

The 30-year-old was injured after a challenge by Hamza Choudhury​ in August’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City.

Following the successful surgery, it is hoped that Ritchie will be able to resume full training shortly and could return to first team action towards the end of this month.

So, it’s fair to assume he won’t be fit to face Chelsea next Saturday, but it sounds like he’s in with a shout of making our games against either Wolves or West Ham after that.

Thankfully, Jetro Willems has done brilliantly in his absence, bagging a goals and an assist in his last two starts, however Ritchie’s presence has been missed at times.

Let’s hope he returns to training soon and is back in Bruce’s squad in a couple of weeks.

(Fancy writing for us? Get in touch at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *