Steve Bruce shares big injury update – 1 major doubt, 3 fit to return & 4 ruled out of Everton

Steve Bruce has shared an update on the fitness of several first team players during his chat with the local press this morning – and it’s mixed news on the injury front.

The bad news is that Jamaal Lascelles is a ‘major’ doubt for Sunday’s clash with Everton after hurting his foot in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Wolves.

On the plus side, Isaac Hayden has been declared fit to return after Bruce decided against risking him at Molineux, while Sean and Matty Longstaff are also deemed fit enough to start – even if both are more likely to be named on the bench.

Bruce has also confirmed that Jonjo Shelvey’s hernia operation went well, stating he should be back after the international break in ‘3-4 weeks’ time.

As expected, Martin Dubravka, Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle will also miss out with long-term injuries.

Here’s what the NUFC boss has had to say about all of the above this morning:

Bruce on Lascelles:

“We’ve only got one major concern which is Jamaal Lascelles.

“He took a knock to his foot against Wolves and had to come off towards the end.

“He’s got a foot injury so we’ll see how he is.”

Bruce on Shelvey:

“Thankfully it (surgery) was all pretty routine. He’s on the mend.

These days with the way hernia injuries are we are thinking it could be three or four weeks – certainly after the international break we hope he’s there or thereabouts.”

Bruce on Hayden:

“He’s fine.

He’s trained all week but didn’t think I could gamble with him last week.”

Bruce on the Longstaff’s:

Matty has played a game and a half for the U23s & looks like he’s over his injury. Sean has recovered from a bout of tonsilitis.”

“They bring an energy to the team and they’re both very decent passers of the ball too. They’ve had a few problems but we hope they can stay fit because they’ve both got something to offer.”

Two who weren’t mentioned are Paul Dummett and Ciaran Clark, but there return to U-23 action last week suggests they are now fit enough to come in if Jamaal Lascelles does miss out this weekend.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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