Paul Dummett could miss the opening game of the Premier League season, per Chronicle Live, but Newcastle United expect Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson will face West Ham.
Steve Bruce is facing an anxious wait on Dummett’s availability ahead of the Hammers’ trip to St James’ Park. David Moyes’ Irons visit Tyneside on August 15 to kick off the new term, and Bruce will want to avoid a third-straight defeat in the Magpies’ first home fixture.
Newcastle have suffered defeats to Arsenal and Brighton in their first home games of the last two seasons. But beat West Ham home and away last term, including on the opening day at the London Stadium. Wilson and Jeff Hendrick with the goals away to the Irons.
Dummett missed Newcastle’s 2-0 victory over West Ham last August as he continued his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. He could now start back-to-back campaigns in the treatment room after missing Saturday’s friendly with Burton Albion.
Bruce could not guarantee Dummett would return in time to feature when Newcastle host West Ham. And the 29-year-old remains a doubt, as he battles a calf issue sustained in a previous friendly with Doncaster Rovers.
But Bruce has landed a triple boost ahead of the Hammers’ visit to the North East. Wilson, Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin should be available to face Moyes’ men. Almiron is back on Tyneside after competing at the Copa America and could feature for the Toon this week.
Newcastle have a behind-closed-doors friendly with Burnley on Tuesday before facing Norwich on Saturday. Almiron could feature in some capacity against either the Clarets or Canaries. He played four times at the Copa America, offering one goal and an assist.
Dummett injury a blow for Bruce and Newcastle ahead of West Ham clash
Dummett missing West Ham’s visit to Newcastle will be a blow for Bruce. The 29-year-old played a key role at the end of last season to help the Magpies secure their Premier League safety. He repeatedly battled hard, cleared danger and made some crucial interceptions.
His efforts ensured Newcastle extended Dummett’s contract in July by a further year. And would likely have been challenging for a place in the backline against West Ham. Especially after enhancing his reputation, which former teammate Mike Williamson lauds.
Williamson said, via the Sunderland Echo in May: “He must be a manager’s dream because he is adaptable and he just produces performances on a consistent basis.” He added: “He’s so reliable and probably underrated in a lot of people’s eyes.
“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s good in the air and he’s got good distribution. His biggest strength is that he keeps everything simple and just how well he knows his own game. He has consistently improved since he came into the side and he deserves every reward and piece of credit he receives because he’s a genuine, authentic, humble North East lad.”
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