Sky Sports’ Keith Downie has confirmed that Andy Carroll injured his groin at Chelsea last weekend and will miss this weekend’s clash with Wolves as a result.
The north-east reporter also reveals that Fabian Schar will also sit out of Sunday’s game with a knee injury, while Matt Ritchie and Florian Lejeune ‘won’t be risked’ – despite both being spotted back in training this week.
Fortunately, Carroll has NOT injured the ankle he had surgery on earlier this year and is expected to be back in a ‘week or two’, however it is a real concern to hear that the severity of Schar’s ‘knee ligament’ injury is yet to be determined.
As for Ritchie and Lejeune, it was never clear whether either would be fit for Sunday, however their return to training this week suggested they may have been available for selection.
Thankfully, Carroll’s injury is ‘not serious’ according to the Chronicle, but it’s a good job we’ve got Dwight Gayle back.
As for Schar, his presence will be missed hugely, especially at home. We have the very capable Fernandez and Dummett in reserve, but neither possess the ability on the ball to help us get on the front foot at St James’ Park.
