Newcastle left back Massadio Haidara has revealed that he is finally close to a first team comeback after being sidelined with injury for the past twelve months.
The Frenchman suffered a knee injury back in October last year and underwent an extensive recovery only to suffer another setback in April which kept him out of the Magpies’ relegation battle at the end of last season. After playing 45 minutes in a 1-1 draw for Newcastle Under 23s against Stoke City, Haidara told the Evening Chronicle that he is close to full fitness:
“I am really happy because my last first-team game was October. It was great to play 45 minutes. I felt good and confident. I think I will be fully fit very soon.”
The 23 year old will have a challenge on his hands regaining his place in the first team though. Before his injury, he was competing against Paul Dummett for a starting position, but after the signing of Achraf Lazaar from Palermo in the summer, he will find it tough to get any game time, especially with Vurnon Anita also being utilised in the position in the past by Rafa Benitez.
