It has been another miserable day on the injury front for Newcastle United but, while it’s not likely to significantly improve the mood, a small bit of good news has emerged.
What’s the story?
According to The Athletic, Javi Manquillo has returned to training after suffering an injury in the win against Southampton last month, a result that has proven so costly.
Indeed, Callum Wilson is out of action until April following a hamstring tear while Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin will likely miss the next month after limping off in the draw with Wolves.
Is it good news?
Having Manquillo back is a good thing even if the other absences seriously deplete Steve Bruce’s side.
Prior to his injury, the Spaniard was enjoying arguably the best run of his Newcastle career, impressing in the win over Everton as well as in his brief cameo against the Saints.
Helping the side form a 3-4-3 on the counter-attack alongside Wilson and Saint-Maximin (as pointed out by Mark Thompson of Twenty 3) the former Liverpool man was a key figure in the early good form upon Graeme Jones’ arrival at St. James’ Park.
The Verdict
It would be too much to suggest welcoming Manquillo back soon will do much to allay relegation fears given the recent hammer blows to key attackers but it’s still a positive bit of news.
If he can get back to his recent form, Bruce does have an interesting option to turn to at right-back and someone who has previously shown an ability to get forward, as well as do his bit defensively. Given the situation the team are currently in, they’ll need all the help they can get on those fronts.
