4 players ruled out of Bournemouth as Bruce confirms new injury setback

Steve Bruce has revealed that Matt Ritchie has suffered a setback in training, confirming tomorrow’s clash with Bournemouth will come too soon for him, Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune.

Sean Longstaff has also been ruled out, with him still suspended after seeing red in last month’s 1-1 draw with Wolves.

Here’s what Bruce had to say about Ritchie and Schar speaking during his pre-match presser this morning:

“Matt and Fabian haven’t made it. Unfortunately they’ve still got a bit to do.

“We don’t think it’s that bad with Fab but Matt’s a little bit of a concern because he was going along so well and unfortunately he’s had a reaction to training.”

Bruce then provided an update on Florian Lejeune, saying he’s ‘fine’, but may need more minutes for the U-23’s before he can return to first-team action:

“It’s a bit too early for this weekend but he’s come through the training schedule that he’s been on.

“He’s fine but we just need to get some more minutes into him if we possibly can. He’s back training & played 70 minutes the other night. He’s chomping at the bit.”

It’s a real shame to hear Ritchie has suffered a ‘reaction’ in training after over two months out. We’ve not missed him as much as we feared thanks to Jetro Willems’ brilliant form at left wing-back, however his energy, intensity and leadership on and off the pitch is invaluable at times.

As for Schar and Lejeune, the classy duo are arguably our two best centre-backs and player we miss in home games especially, but reliable duo Clark and Fernandez deserve their chance and will get it again on Saturday.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us 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.

2 thoughts on “4 players ruled out of Bournemouth as Bruce confirms new injury setback

  1. So its 1 new injury , 2 existing injuries and a suspension that we all knew about.

    Not 4 new injuries. Are you a Mackem in disguise.

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  2. Cocobear:
    So its 1 new injury , 2 existing injuries and a suspension that we all knew about.

    Not 4 new injuries. Are you a Mackem in disguise.

    There had been nothing said all week on Ritchie, Lejeune or Schar’s availability this weekend.

    No one knew for sure whether they’d be fit to return, so when Bruce confirms they’re all ruled out , we report on that. It’s that simple.

    As for Sean Longstaff, you say everyone knows that yet I saw a few debating on Twitter whether he or Shelvey should start tomorrow! It’s a fact that all 4 are ruled out.

    Pretty petty comment when we’re just doing our job! ??

      (Quote)

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