Rafa Benitez has been left far from impressed by South Korea’s handling of Ki Sung-yeung according to the Chronicle – who claim that his injury has put another nail in the coffin as far as Isaac Hayden’s potential move away is concerned.
Ki suffered a hamstring injury in South Korea’s opening game of the Asian Cup two weeks ago, however it’s now been revealed that they rushed his return to full training in hope of having him back sooner – something that’s backfired badly.
The midfielder has now returned to Tyneside and is expected to be out for ‘at least’ a two weeks – with the Chronicle stating that the club are ‘unimpressed with how the situation has been handled’ by his national side.
Not only is this bad news for Benitez, with us lacking midfield options as it is after issues with Diame (hip) and Shelvey’s (thigh) fitness, it seems this will all but end Isaac Hayden’s hopes of leaving this month.
The ex-Arsenal man has done a solid job in recent weeks alongside Sean Longstaff, but that hasn’t changed the fact that he is still looking to leave this month after handing in a transfer request for personal reasons.
But, with no return date for Shelvey, Ki ruled out for a few weeks and no replacement midfielder signed as yet, it looks like Hayden will have to wait until the summer before he’s allowed to leave.
Could be the making of longstaff though if he takes this opportunity that he wouldn’t got this season with everyone fit.
Nufc11(Quote)
…and Hayden should grasp this opportunity to improve through regularity and show us and potential suitors how good he can be
Geordie exile(Quote)