Steve Bruce has dropped another big hint that he’s ready to give Joelinton a run in the side….as a winger.
The NUFC boss has also confirmed Florian Lejeune will return to his 18-man squad for the first time this season tomorrow, with injuries to Lascelles and Clark paving the way for the Frenchman’s long awaited return.
Back to the Brazilian, Bruce is aware that the 23-year-old was regularly used in wide areas during his time at Hoffenheim, and it seems he’s ready to experiment with the misfiring striker after injuries to ASM and Almiron.
Here’s what he’s had to say about a potential change of position for the £40m forward:
“It’s something we’re toying with.
“Half of his career was there at his previous club so he’s no stranger to it,”
“It may be a different formation.
“It’s something up our sleeve if we need it.
“It’s something that might give big Joe a lift as well.”
“Sometimes a change of scenery, formation or position can stimulate you a bit.
“He is only a young lad and he’s got a big responsibility on his shoulders. We have to be patient.”
With Saint-Maximin out for at least a month and Almiron set to miss tomorrow’s game with a tight hamstring, could we see the big Brazilian and Atsu played either side of Andy Carroll at Burnley?
As for Lejeune, Bruce confirmed that the centre-back will make his return to our matchday squad this weekend for the first time since suffering a second ACL injury in April:
“Flo comes into the equation, of course he does.
“In that area, even with Clark and Lascelles out, we’ve still got very good cover.”
It will be great to see him back in the fold, although you can’t help but fear for us this weekend with so many in-form players expected to miss out.
