Defensive injuries mount as Paul Dummett becomes Rafa's latest concern

 

Following news that DeAndre Yedlin will face 5 week on the sidelines with Ciaran Clark limping off in Saturday's defeat to Fulham, Paul Dummett is the latest NUFC defender to have a problem - leaving Rafa Benitez sweating on the left-back's fitness ahead of Saturday's trip to Birmingham.

It has been revealed, in an interview with Wales boss, Chris Coleman, that Dummett has played through the pain barrier in recent weeks:

“He’s got a problem with his heel,” said Coleman. “He's played with an injection in his heel (and) if he plays this weekend, he'll probably need another. He needs a rest."

“If we were bare defensively, we would have called Newcastle, but we don’t need to do that.”

In light of this, Coleman has left the Newcastle man out of Wales' squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifier with Ireland in Dublin.

The 25 year-old could yet however play through the pain barrier to make Saturday's game at Birmingham, but has been instructed to rest during the international break the following week.

Since taking over as Newcastle United manager, Paul Dummett is Benitez's most used player. Whilst he has been criticised for his limitations offensively and in possession, Dummett has been a key defensive figure this season, keeping opposition wingers quite on several occasions.

With Yedlin ruled out and Ciaran Clark a doubt, Newcastle will be sweating on the availability of Dummett this weekend, hoping he can play through the pain barrier once more before a well earned rest over the international break to follow.

Should he and Clark miss out however, we can expect to see a much changed NUFC back four at St.Andrews.