Newcastle United supporters have bemoaned the fact that the Frenchman had just regained his place in Alan Pardew’s team and begun to show some form.
Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Liverpool almost capped off the perfect Saturday on Tyneside. The Magpies had just secured their fourth consecutive win in all competitions – and third in the league.
But the celebrations were soured somewhat by Gabriel Obertan’s first-half injury, with the winger leaving the field after tweaking his thigh sprinting at full speed in a footrace with Dejan Lovren.
After the game, boss Alan Pardew told reporters: “The only sour note of the day was Obertan’s injury. He has been a big part of the success in these last few weeks and it is a bad one.
“We are all sad for Gabby and we just hope it is not too bad. But he has done something to his thigh muscle.”
And the Newcastle Evening Chronicle have now reported that the 25-year-old could face no less than five months out injured.
| Dribbles Won per Game | Accurate Crosses per Game | Chances Created per Game | Appearances | Minutes Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moussa Sissoko | 2.1 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 10 | 899 |
| Rolando Aarons | 1.67 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 102 |
| Gabriel Obertan | 1.5 | 0.67 | 1.33 | 6 | 301 |
As Opta stats show, Obertan’s absence will be felt by the Magpies. The Frenchman averages 0.67 crosses per game and is also a vibrant chance creator. His dribbling, meanwhile, is the third-best within the Newcastle squad.
And supporters on Tyneside have been hit by the news. They sense a certain irony in the fact that this injury has struck just as Obertan has finally regained a place in Pardew’s side – and finally shown some form at St James’ Park.
Here, then, is how Newcastle fans react on Twitter to the news…
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