Steve Bruce has confirmed Newcastle United will be without Callum Wilson, Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett, but Ryan Fraser and Joe Willock could face Leeds, via Chronicle Live.
Wilson missed the Toon’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester United last weekend after picking up a thigh strain against Southampton. Bruce had hoped the striker could return at home to the Whites, describing him as ‘touch and go’, but now concedes Friday’s encounter is too soon.
The visit of Marcelo Bielsa’s Elland Road natives to St James’ Park will also come too early for Dummett and Shelvey. The former is yet to feature at all this term, while the latter has missed Newcastle’s last three league games.
Dummett sustained a calf injury over the summer that has kept him from Newcastle’s start to the season. Shelvey also damaged a calf in pre-season, but returned to face West Ham on the opening day. The £12m signing from 2016, however, then injured his other calf.
Fraser, meanwhile, suffered a setback in training over the international break and needed a protective boot on his right foot. He and Willock, though, should be in contention to face Leeds on Friday. With Bruce offering both positive and negative news on the injury front.
“It’s too quick for Callum, too quick for Jonjo and too quick for Paul Dummett,” Bruce said. “Ryan Fraser has trained all week. Joe Willock had a couple of knocks towards the end of the [Manchester United] game, but he’s ok.”
Newcastle land Fraser, Willock boosts, but blows for Shelvey, Wilson and Dummett
Shelvey facing a protracted spell on the sidelines will be a blow for Bruce and Newcastle ahead of hosting Leeds. After overcoming one calf injury to face West Ham, the Toon will be loath to see a second keep him out for a long period of time.
The same goes for Dummett and Wilson with the striker’s thigh strain, with the 29-year-old key at St James’ Park. Wilson had scored twice in three Premier League appearances before missing last week’s trip to Manchester United. He is the only player to score multiple times for the Magpies this season, while three players have struck once.
Willock overcoming his knocks to be able to feature for Newcastle against Leeds will delight Bruce, at least. The 22-year-old summer signing from Arsenal has started the Magpies’ last three league fixtures. He can also have a big say in how the Toon transition possession.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also said of Willock last season, via The Sun: “He has some special qualities. He’s showing it with his performances, his goals and his attitude.”
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