Fatigue, injuries and the hectic schedule have often been a problem for us this season, but there can be no excuses on Saturday when we travel to Nottingham Forest.
The fact they had an FA Cup replay to play last night handed us an early advantage, yet they were sent into extra time by Bristol City and then to penalties following a 1-1 draw. It ended in a narrow win for the Reds, who had to play 120 minutes of football just a few days before Eddie Howe’s Newcastle come to the City Ground.
Not only that, star man Morgan Gibbs-White picked up a knock and was unable to come off due to Forest making all of their substitutes. He took a penalty in the shootout and carried on, but was gesturing to the bench to be replaced and will face a fitness test ahead of Saturday’s game along with Argentine full-back Gonzalo Montiel, who was forced off through injury.
This comes on the same night club record signing Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly and Ola Aina all made it through to Sunday’s AFCON final between the Ivory Coast, ensuring all three will miss out this weekend along with hat-trick hero Chris Wood, who is set for a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
So, 120 minutes of football, limited preparation, their star man carrying a knock and their top scorer ruled out alongside their club record signing. Newcastle United can’t have any excuses this weekend in what feels like a huge chance to get revenge for that 3-1 defeat on Boxing Day.
Morgan Gibbs-White struggling, gesturing to the bench. #NFFC have used all their subs. Gibbs-White stays on but not moving freely. #NFOBRC
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) February 7, 2024
