The Newcastle United striker faces a real battle to get into the squad let alone the starting XI when he is fully fit.
Newcastle United significantly strengthened their squad in the summer, with manager Rafa Benitez clearly hell bent on guiding the Magpies back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Some of those signings have been instant successes while others have played their part, but Daryl Murphy has made just one appearance to date and looks mile away from making a significant impact at St James’ Park.
Part of that is down to injury but even when he is full fit his chances of featuring ahead of some very impressive forwards seem slim at best.
Given the other strikers at Newcastle’s disposal this season, Murphy signed on well aware that he was a back-up option at best; a player signed to cover for injuries or suspension. But with Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez all ahead of him in the pecking order, his season already looks bleak.
When you consider Newcastle look set for a return to the top flight come May, there is a very real chance Murphy will leave the club having never even started in the league for them.
A Championship season is long and hard and things can change in a heartbeat, but Newcastle’s formation and their strength in depth makes it unlikely Murphy will start any time soon and that paints a bleak picture for the 33-year-old.
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