Newcaste United’s Aleksandar Mitrovic could miss the next few games, meaning Daryl Murphy could finally find himself in-favour.
Stricken Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic could be out for up to a month with a knee injury, Blic Sport, reports, though Daryl Murphy could finally step up to the plate in his absence.
The Serbian international has been out of favour under Rafa Benitez on Tyneside this season and a rare start in The Magpies 1-1 FA Cup draw with Birmingham City on Saturday was cut cruelly short after he suffered a nasty gash to his knee in the first half.
And Mitrovic himself believes that he is likely to be out of action for an extended period, leaving Benitez rather light up top in the coming weeks.
“Thank God, it seems my ligaments are OK. Still, I need additional test. Probably 3-4 weeks out,” the hot-headed striker told Blic Sport.
Consequently, if Newcastle weren’t over reliant upon Dwight Gayle for goals before then they certainly will be now. His 19 Championship strikes dwarfs the three netted by second choice striker Ayoze Perez, while Murphy has featured in less than five minutes of league action this season.
However, after opening his Newcastle account at last against Birmingham at the weekend, the former Ipswich Town targetman could finally be handed his long-awaited opportunity in the first-team.
Murphy’s physicality and impressive aerial ability means he is tailor made to replace Mitrovic as Benitez’s Plan B in the coming weeks and, with a top of the table clash against Brighton on the horizon, the 33-year-old will be committed as ever to ensure he plays a part in a season that has passed him by thus far.
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