Steve Bruce has been speaking to the media this morning ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Aston Villa at St James’ Park.
With us beating Sheffield Utd at St James’ Park just 48 hours ago and having our biggest game of the season on Sunday – a FA Cup quarter final vs Manchester City – Steve Bruce has hinted at rotation for this one.
He’s also all but confirmed that FOUR players will be missing – Florian Lejeune, Ciaran Clark, Matty Longstaff and Sean Longstaff.
Lejeune is back doing a ‘little bit’ in training but not yet ready, Clark is ‘sore’ after a recent ankle operation and Sean Longstaff is still struggling with a ‘niggle’.
On the plus side, Matty Longstaff is back in training, but not deemed fit enough to return just yet.
Here’s what Bruce has had to say when speaking to the press this morning:
“We’ll look at the rotation and I’m sure most teams are using their five subs.
“We’re OK injury wise so we’ll see how they are this morning and make a decision on who we make available tomorrow.
“Matty Longstaff trained yesterday for the first time but Sean still has a niggle.”
“Florian Lejeune is out on the grass doing a little bit but unfortunately Ciaran Clark who had an operation on his ankle is sore so they’re not joining in at the moment.”
Bruce also spoke about our impressive return to Premier League action on Sunday, revealing how pleased he was to see is ‘very good nick’ after several months out.
We may be all but safe, but our season isn’t over. A push into the top 10 is still on and Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Man City is around the corner, so let’s hope he can get the balance right tomorrow.
With this weekend’s quarter final in mind, what team would you like to see him go with tomorrow night?
