Federico Fernandez has suffered another injury blow ahead of Newcastle United visiting Southampton on Thursday night that could prove costly to his future at St James’ Park.
Toon boss Eddie Howe has revealed, via Chronicle Live, that the Argentine centre-half has strained a muscle in his side. He will now miss the Magpies’ south coast trip and their visit to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. But Fernandez is touch-and-go to face Everton next week.
Newcastle do not believe the £6m defender has suffered a serious problem that will keep him out of action long-term. But Fernandez should face a real challenge to regain a role in the starting line-up on his return to fitness if United maintain their unbeaten run of form.
Fernandez has struggled to break into Howe’s plans since Newcastle changed manager in November. The 32-year-old has only played twice under the Englishman for a total of 84-minutes. Both outings were in December before a thigh issue kept him from seven games.
Howe is yet to recall Fernandez since his injury, with Newcastle unbeaten with five wins in their last eight games. The Magpies have also only conceded five goals since their last loss. No Premier League club has allowed fewer than the Toon or Liverpool (5) have in that run.
Fernandez suffers injury blow with Newcastle star to miss Southampton trip
Howe expects Fernandez will face around a week on the sidelines through his latest injury ahead of Newcastle visiting Southampton. The international break follows their trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday then Everton away at Goodison Park next Thursday.
“Fede picked up a very slight side strain,” Howe said. “We don’t think it’s serious. It’ll keep him out for a week to 10-days.”
Fernandez will hope to use the international break to regain fitness and force his way back into Howe’s Newcastle side. The Argentine may otherwise face an increasingly uncertain St James’ future this summer. TEAMtalk report he is one of seven Howe could look to offload.
The defender will have one-year remaining on his £47k-a-week contract at the end of the season. But despite Steve Bruce using the word ‘immaculate’ to describe Fernandez, he is yet to show Howe – partly through injury – why he should still have a future at Newcastle.
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