Steve Bruce has revealed he has three new injury concerns ahead of Friday’s crucial clash with Leeds, with Joe Willock, Ciaran Clark and Javier Manquillo picking up “knocks” in our 4-1 defeat to Man Utd.
The Toon trio came off in the final 15 minutes of the game at Old Trafford, and the NUFC boss has since confirmed that they were all enforced changes.
He claims that Ciaran Clark is struggling ‘in particular’, however it seems both Manquillo and Willock also felt something late on – which may explain why the latter was spotted with his head down after subbed off in the 85th minute.
Speaking to NUFC TV after last weekend’s game, here’s what Bruce had to say:
“We have a disappointed dressing room with a few knocks.
“Joe Willock, Ciaran Clark in particular and Javier Manquillo.”
“We’ll see how they are.
“Let’s hope they’re ok.”
With Callum Wilson expected to miss our next three games, Jonjo Shelvey absent with a calf problem and Martin Dubravka still sidelined, we’ll have to hope the trio forced off over the weekend are all OK for Friday.
We have options to replace Clark if need be, with Fernandez, Schar and Dummmett waiting in the wings, but to lose Willock would be a massive blow.
As for Manquillo, he impressed on his return to the side, not only grabbing a goal but coping well defensively – keeping Jadon Sancho quiet for most of the game.
