An update on Javier Manquillo’s ankle injury has arrived from Newcastle World this morning.
The new North-East outlet report that the Spaniard has NOT suffered any serious ankle ligament damage and will be missing for around ‘two weeks.’
However, the injury still keep him sidelined for Saturday’s trip to West Ham and next weekend’s clash with Brentford, with it hoped he’ll return for our next home game – a meeting with Brighton on March 5th.
So, with Kieran Trippier set to be a long-term absentee after fracturing a metatarsal in his foot, it looks like Emil Krafth will fill in at right-back over the next few weeks.
The Swedish international has struggled since arriving on Tyneside back in 2019, lacking many desirable traits of a modern day full-back, however he does always give 100% and will need to step up in their absence.
So, good and bad news for Howe on Manquillo? A shame to lose a reliable Trippier replacement for our next couple of games, but a relief it’s not as bad as some first feared…
Got to go to a back five if that’s the case, clog the midfield and drop Wood.
Fraser, Schar, Lascelles, Burn,Taggard
Willock, Guimeres, Shelvey, Joelinton
St Max
Joseph(Quote)
Olly – it’s only good news for me mate. I was sure Manq was going to be out 8-10weeks with Tripps a similar timeframe.
The fact we could have Manq back as quickly as 2 weeks is a massive positive.
Krafth has done ok in recent games. He has to focus though and stay part of that back 4. Take his lead from Burn and do nowt daft.
Sharpy17(Quote)