The Newcastle United left-back will soon recover from injury so what chance a reprieve?
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has tried a number of different players at left-back this season, and for now it seems the Spaniard is yet to settle on a definite starter going forward. So what chance a forgotten man forcing his way back in from the cold and making the position his own?
For much of the summer it looked as though Massadio Haidara was set to leave St. James’ Park, yet the transfer window came and went and the Frenchman remained where he was.
A knee injury continues to blight the defender but, with an expected return date this month, the 24-year-old could give Benitez another valid option on the left side of his otherwise impressive defence.
Haidara is not every Newcastle fan’s cup of tea, but unlike Jack Colback he was at least included in the club’s Premier League squad this season, meaning he can be called upon if necessary.
With 52 appearances for Newcastle under his belt thus far, including 37 in the top flight, Haidara should not be discounted out of hand.
Newcastle need all the players they can get in the months ahead as they look to build on a promising start, and having been brave enough to drop Isaac Hayden from his midfield, Benitez may be wise to make another call, this time welcoming a previously forgotten player in from the cold when the time is right.
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