Bruce shares worrying injury update – 8 ruled out, 1 touch and go & 2 back for Crystal Palace

Steve Bruce has cast doubt on the fitness of Joelinton ahead of this weekend’s trip to Crystal Palace – and has hinted that Ciaran Clark could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

There was some positive news for fans as the gaffer revealed that forwards Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto are back at fit to face Palace.

That said, Joelinton is tough and go with a thigh injury, but Clark, Carroll, Atsu (illness), Shelvey, Manquillo, Krafth, Dummett and Willems are out.

Here’s what Bruce has had to say this morning:

“Dwight (Gayle) has trained all week so he’s in contention. Muto does too.

“ Atsu is sick. Joe (Joelinton) has little problem with his thigh but we’re hopeful he’ll be okay.

“Jonjo (Shelvey) & Krafth might join in next week”

When asked about an update on Ciaran Clark’s situation, Bruce gave a worrying response – saying the defender is having to wear a protective boot.

“It’s a nasty one, that’s for sure. He’s in a boot at the moment.

“We’re not sure on the severity of the ligaments yet but he’ll see a specialist this week.”

Andy Carroll has been out for a while now, and here is what Bruce said on his situation.

“No update. We won’t put any timescale on it, we just will wait until he’s right. The big thing for him is his ankle is okay. It’s a freak one. It’s a difficult one but he has to stay strong mentally & he will”

The good news for us is that Clark’s injury is in an area that we are covered in, with central defence being the strongest area of our team depth-wise.

The return of Gayle and Muto is also timely considering Joelinton is a doubt, and most Newcastle fans probably think a spell out the team would benefit the Brazillian regardless.