Newcastle United face Aston Villa in their second Premier League game of the season and by the looks of it, Steve Bruce will be without some really important players.
The manager has revealed that midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has picked up another calf injury and will not be available for selection this weekend.
Bruce said in his press conference: “It doesn’t look as if Jonjo will make it for Saturday.
“He had a calf injury in pre-season and Sod’s law it’s his other one that’s the issue.”
Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow will both miss the trip to Villa Park since the former’s recovery has been pushed back for a few more weeks due to an infection while Darlow is yet to fully recover from COVID.
He added: “Dúbravka and Darlow are way short at the minute so Freddie Woodman will play again. Martin, unfortunately, the injury he’s had has become infected which will set him back another few weeks.
“Karl has still not overcome his Covid situation, so those two are still a long way off.
“It’s a concern & we’re toying with the idea of naming 4 keepers, which is unheard of.”
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Paul Dummett and Elliot Anderson are the other two absentees for Saturday’s match but thankfully the manager has made it clear that summer signing Joe Willock will be named in the matchday squad.
After his £25 million move, Willock was not available for selection last weekend but he will surely be getting game time against Aston Villa.
Steve Bruce said: “The good thing about Joe is he’s a naturally fit young man. So, he’ll definitely be involved.”
“I would’ve liked him to have a few more minutes in pre-season but he’s a young, naturally fit young man.
“He’ll be in the squad, that’s for sure. He improved us immensely with his goals from midfield and let’s hope he can carry that on tomorrow.”
