Steve Bruce was “privately concerned” over the potential of injuries to his Newcastle United squad before the season even begun, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim on their website that the upturn in injuries is not down to a change in approach, with many of the staff and medics remaining at St James’ Park from the reign of Rafael Benitez.
The Chronicle report that Newcastle are at the forefront of blood testing procedures with Irish company Orreco that could help detect early inflammation and possible injuries picked up by players throughout the season.
It was reported by the Chronicle that the Magpies could have up to 11 doubts for Saturday’s game against Watford.
OPINION
By the outcome early on in the season, Bruce had every right to be concerned about what could be in store for him as manager of Newcastle. If the new manager was so worried about that potential, it seems strange that he didn’t push Mike Ashley harder to try and sign more players, therefore making his squad much stronger and more durable for the gruelling Premier League campaign. Having said that, to have 11 injury doubts having only played three league games comes across as very ludicrous – and questions have to be asked. For Newcastle to sanction the decision to introduce blood testing to try and detect injuries earlier they must share the same concerns as Bruce, and something may have to be done when January comes around and the transfer window opens once more. If the injuries start to affect the Magpies on the pitch, then Ashley must do more than tests, but actually put his money where his mouth his and further strengthen the squad.
