Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark has suffered a thigh injury while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, the club has confirmed on their official website.
The Magpies stated that the 6ft 2in centre back [Source: Transfermarkt] suffered the setback in training with Martin O’Neill’s side, and that he will miss Ireland’s clash with Wales on Tuesday evening.
The 29-year-old will be assessed further when he returns to Tyneside later this week, but his involvement in the team’s game against Brighton on Saturday is surely now in doubt.
Clark has been heavily involved for Rafael Benitez’s side this season, making seven appearances for the club in all competitions.
OPINION
This is a blow for both Newcastle and Clark. The Republic of Ireland international isn’t necessarily the most popular or flashiest of players but he puts in a solid shift for his side on a regular basis and that consistency will be missed for however long he’s sidelined. The opportunity is now there for summer signing Fabian Schar to make a claim for a first team spot, although captain Jamaal Lascelles and fellow new recruit Federico Fernandez are in pole position at the heart of the Magpies defence at this moment in time. With the team struggling so badly this campaign – they remain without a Premier League victory this term – it’s a terrible time for them to suffer an injury to a first team regular. However, this is why you have a squad of players and other stars must now step up. Having said that, Benitez will be extremely frustrated by this news as he continues to look for the answer to Newcastle’s poor form.
