Speaking to the press this morning, Steve Bruce has offered an update on the injury front and some early team news ahead of tomorrow night’s crucial clash with Wolves.
Starting with Callum Wilson, the NUFC boss claims our top scorer is “three or four weeks” away from returning from a hamstring injury.
Bruce also refused to confirm whether Martin Dubravka will replace Karl Darlow this weekend after The Telegraph reported earlier this week that the Slovakian star was all set to come back in.
Elsewhere, he confirms Joelinton is fit despite limping off at Old Trafford and that Federico Fernandez is ‘available’ after training all week – although it seems Wolves may be a ‘bit early’ for the Argentine.
He also confirms that Javier Manquillo is “doing very well” after a return to training – although it seems this weekend could come too soon – while Fabian Schar is still on crutches after knee surgery.
Here’s what he’s had to say on all of the above:
Bruce on Wilson, Manquillo & Schar
“Manquillo is doing very well with his ankle.
“Fabian Schär is still on crutches and a knee brace.
“Callum Wilson is now three or four weeks away so he’s making good progress but it’s a muscle injury so we have to box clever with it.”
Bruce on Fernandez and Joelinton
“Fernandez has trained all week and is available.
“It still might be a bit early for him considering he injury he has had.
“Joelinton will be available – it was a kick – so, that’s good news.
“The rest are the same.”
Bruce on the Dubravka & Darlow
“It’s speculation (about who’ll play).
“Let’s make one thing clear. Karl (Darlow) has done fantastically well.
“Of course, I’ve got to make decision, but those decisions are what I get paid for.’
A lot of unanswered questions, but you get the feeling this weekend may come a tad too soon for Manquillo and Fernandez, while Bruce has given little away on the goalkeeping situation.
How do you see us lining up tomorrow night based on these comments?
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