OPINION
Sean Longstaff has given a positive update on his injury situation that will have Newcastle United fans licking their lips with anticipation.
The Toon midfielder has been sidelined since the 2-0 defeat to West Ham at the beginning of March, and isn’t expected to return to action until next season.
But the 22-year-old has spoken to NUFC TV about his progress, and has vowed to come back even stronger for the new season.
He said: “It’s going well, the recovery’s going well. I’m getting looked after every day which is amazing.
“I’m in the best place possible to come back fully fit. It’s getting better every day, it’s getting stronger.
“It’s just about staying with it and giving it time.”
Obviously there’s never a good time to get injured, but there’s certainly an argument that Longstaff’s spell in the treatment room shouldn’t disrupt him too much.
The youngster had made a huge impact prior to his knock, and that won’t suddenly be forgotten now that he is out of the picture for a little while.
For a good spell in the middle of the season he was easily Newcastle’s best player, and the excitement surrounding his return will no doubt build to a crescendo between now and the start of next season.
Getting injured when he did means that, while he does miss the run in, he will hopefully be returning to training in time for preseason. That will give him a more natural, well-integrated preparation for his comeback, as opposed to having to hit the ground running in the middle of a campaign.
There’s no reason why Longstaff can’t be a Toon hero for years to come, and while it might be frustrating for him to be missing now, if it means he comes back stronger, this could be a small price to pay.
