Steve Bruce has offered an injury update ahead of tomorrow’ crucial clash with Watford – and it’s not good news.
He’s confirmed that Joe Willock (toe) and Jamaal Lascelles (thigh) will both miss the game, with the pair also expected to miss next Saturday’s trip to Wolves.
Elsewhere, Callum Wilson remains out, while this weekend’s game will come too soon, once again, for Jonjo Shelvey, Paul Dummett and Freddie Woodman.
Martin Dubravka is back in training, however Bruce has insisted that it’ll be a “couple of weeks” until he’s back in contention for first-team action.
Here’s what Bruce has had to say on all of the above when speaking to the press this morning:
Bruce on Willock, Lascelles and our growing injury list:
“Joe Willock’s was a complete fluke. He kicked the ground and damaged his toe.
“He’ll not make this week and it’ll be touch and go for next week as well.
“Jamaal Lascelles’ is a muscle injury. He tried yesterday but it was no good so it’ll be a couple of weeks.”
‘You have a squad of 25 players, but six of them are injured.
“It’s not that great, is it?
“It’s how we adapt to it, how we get on with it. It’s why we have a squad of players.”
“I think after the international break would be the return of most of them.
“Maybe next week is a bit too early so that break up until the Tottenham game will be needed.
“It’s difficult but when you’re without 5/6 of your big players it’s even more difficult.”
Bruce on Dubravka:
“To be without him at the start when we didn’t see it coming was difficult.
“It’s good to see him back on the grass.
“We’ve just got to be patient and see where he’s up to but he’s just started training so it’ll be a couple of weeks away at least.”
Chickens coming home to roost!
Ageing squad, prone to injury and lack of investment by Ashley, add to the mix a manager who doesn’t know what he is doing = perfect recipe for relegation.
Joseph(Quote)