Steve Bruce has shared a big injury update this morning ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter final clash with Manchester City.
The positive news is that Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie are yet to be ruled out of the game despite muscle injuries on Wednesday night, with Bruce suggesting that a ‘big training session today’ may determine whether or not they’ll be able to face Guardiola’s side on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Bruce has confirmed that the game will come too soon for Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark once again, but hints that both Sean and Matty Longstaff “might be available” for the first time since the restart.
Here’s what he’s had to say on the injury front, starting with an update on Hayden and Ritchie:
“We’ll see how they [Hayden and Ritchie] are today. It’s a big training session today as yesterday was just a recovery day.
“They were a little bit sore yesterday and we’ll see how they are again today. We’ll know more tomorrow.”
“We’d be kidding ourselves if we didn’t think we’d pick up soft tissue injuries so we’ll see how we are over the next 24-48 hours.”
Bruce then offered updates on Lejeune, Clark and the two Longstaff brothers, confirming the latter duo are now back in training:
“I still think it’s a little bit early for Lejeune and Clark.
“We’re hoping the two Longstaffs might be available. But, we have a big training session today, and we’ll see how they come through that.”
So, it’s about the most positive injury update could’ve hoped for given Hayden and Ritchie hobbled off less than 48 hours ago.
I’d be surprised if either made the City game, sadly, but at least both appear to be in with a shot of making it!
Has Nufc been bought permanent
Antony owens(Quote)