The Magpies’ Christmas ended in disappointment at St James’.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal has warned Newcastle United that they should be concerned if the absence of Jonjo Shelvey has a huge impact on their performance levels, The Chronicle reports.
Newcastle deservedly lost 1-0 at home to The Owls on Boxing Day, their fourth home defeat of the season sealed by Glenn Loovens’ second half header with only a succession of top class saves from Karl Darlow preventing Wednesday from vanquishing any remaining semblance of festive cheer on Tyneside.
The Magpies worst team performance of the season owed much to the absence of playmaker Shelvey, who was serving the first of a five-match ban after being found guilty of abusing Wolves’ Romain Saiss back in October.
Jack Colback has received his fair share of flak for an ineffective performance in place of the influential Shelvey and visiting manager Carvalhal insists that a side aiming to challenge for promotion cannot afford to be so reliant upon one individual.
“Did Newcastle miss Jonjo Shelvey? That’s a question you’ll have to ask Rafa Benitez,” the Portuguese stated, as reported by The Chronicle.
“If they miss one player that’s not good for them.”
Benitez certainly has a question to answer after another home defeat meant Newcastle were overtaken by Brighton at the top of the table following The Seagulls’ 3-0 win against QPR a day later.
Isaac Hayden is a naturally defensive midfielder while Mo Diame has only impressed in flashes, meaning they may be forced to dip into the market to cover Shelvey’s absence.
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