Speaking in his pre-match presser just moments ago, Steve Bruce has shared some injury news ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Ham
The NUFC boss has confirmed that Sean Longstaff will miss out after limping off with a hamstring problem on Wednesday, also revealing that Jamaal Lascelles (ankle) and Joelinton (calf) are early doubts after picking up knocks at Bournemouth.
Elsewhere, Florian Lejeune will miss out, with Bruce fearing his season is over after struggling to recover from a ‘nasty injury’ in our mid-season friendly with Hull a few weeks ago, while Ciaran Clark is still recovering from ankle surgery.
Here’s what Bruce has had to say on the injury front:
“I don’t think Sean Longstaff will make it [for Sunday].
“We’re waiting on Joelinton and Jamaal Lascelles has got a nasty knock to his ankle so we’ll see how he is.
“We’ve still got another 48 hours until the game so let’s hope it’s good news.”
On the plus side, there was no update on Javier Manquillo – who also limped off in midweek – or Matt Ritchie – who missed out at Bournemouth – suggesting the pair may be fine to feature on Sunday
As for Joelinton and Lascelles, Bruce is clearly hoping both pass late fitness tests, but I’d be surprised if either are risked given we have the likes of Schar available at the back and Carroll, Gayle, Lazaro and Co available to replace him either up top or out wide.