Steve Bruce has praised Joelinton’s performances in our last two training games against Middlesbrough and Hull, hoping the Brazilian can benefit from the break and end the season strongly.
The 23-year-old has suffered in front of goal since making a £40m move from Hoffenheim last summer, bagging just once in the Premier League all season, however it was good to see the striker score in our in-house training game at St James’ Park and again in a 3-2 win over Middlesbrough last week.
When asked who’s impressed since the squad returned to full training a few weeks ago, here’s what Bruce had to say:
“Big Jo has done well.
“Hopefully, he’ll have a good end to the season.
Bruce then admitted a spate of injuries could be on the horizon given the busy schedule that’s coming our way, with 4 games in 11 days set to push our squad to its limits – especially after several months away from competitive football:
“It will very much be a squad game from now on because if the Bundesliga is anything to go by, everyone is going to be picking up their share of injuries.
“That’s why we’ll be taking advantage of the five substitutes rule change as much as possible.”
Everyone else has been thrown into the same scenario, but our poor injury record this season coupled with our extra game against Manchester City in the FA Cup means our squad could be stretched.
Hopefully we see a new Joelinton on Sunday and a group of players who’ve looked after themselves over the break in play – because I’m not expecting any let up from a high-flying Sheffield United fighting for European qualification.
