The Athletic have released an update on the injury situation at Newcastle United, focusing on the fitness of Joelinton, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson.
It’s thought Joelinton will almost certainly miss this weekend’s clash with Man City. He was due to undergo a scan on his thigh on Monday and there’s fears he could be absent ‘beyond the end of January’, with the club reluctant to rush him back after three hamstring issues so far this season.
This could mean he misses our FA Cup trip to Fulham and Premier League clash at Aston Villa, which Joe Willock is also expected to sit out of. Chris Waugh reports that the 24-year-old is still a ‘matter of weeks away’ from returning, with Achilles and hamstring issues seeing him start just four games all season.
There’s better news on Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson, however. Barnes hasn’t featured since our 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September, but he’s expected to return after next weekend’s winter break, meaning he could even return to the squad at Fulham.
As for Wilson, he too is hoping to return at Craven Cottage. Man City on Saturday will come too soon, but The Athletic insist his calf injury is not serious.
If that is the case then I would go 3 CBs with Lascelles in instead of 3 in midfield.
PL teams have been getting through our midfield 3 with relative ease and without the physical presence of Joelinton their task would be made easier imo. Maybe 3 CBs offers Dubravka a bit more protection.
It might give more cover for Trips going forward too & would almost certainly mean Burn was out for Tino or Hall.
I know some would say that’s negative or defensive but it doesn’t have to be if played the right way.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy17
You seem to be one of the few on this site who actually sees things and says things as they are and your ideas are not negative or defensive.
I think we could have some good banter over a pint.
Joseph(Quote)
I think if we go 3 CB’s it would be Schar, Botman and Burn. FB’s Tripps and Tino.
Midfield would be Miggy, Bruno, Longstaff and Gordon.
Isak up top.
David(Quote)