Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez says he will not take any risks with players with niggling injuries in order to maintain a fully fit squad this season.
Past seasons have seen the Magpies squad racked by injuries but the Newcastle boss has explained how a large squad size, a rotation policy and good advice from the medical department can combine to prevent such crises happening in future. He said to the Shields Gazette:
“Sometimes when you have a player with a little problem, the doctor can tell you it is risk so we can make sure we don’t take the risk and play someone else. “If you push players then maybe they can get injured and we are trying to manage this. At the moment it is working fine. During the game you cant control it, like you see Rolando’s injury. Some of the injuries you cant control. If you can manage the load on the players then you can keep them fitter.”
Managing the load on the players this season will be crucial. The Championship is notorious for its relentless nature with many consecutive Saturday-Tuesday matches. Niggles and knocks will inevitably mount up as the season progresses and although some injuries like Aarons, as Benitez says, can’t be prevented, others can be if there is good communication between the manager, player and the doctor. Having options to change players in the squad can also be vital and that makes Benitez’s summer acquisitions in all areas of the pitch even more important.
