Could Jonjo Shelvey’s ban cost Newcastle United dearly?

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The Magpies lost their second game in three outings on Monday versus Blackburn Rovers.

As Newcastle United suffered their second defeat in three games against Blackburn on Monday, the Angel of the North has fallen from the top of the tree over the Christmas period.

Their run of worryingly indifferent form since Boxing Day has pointed firmly to a chasm in the Magpies’ midfield courtesy of Jonjo Shelvey’s absence.

Since the former Liverpool and Swansea City man’s five-match ban came into effect, Rafa Benitez’s men have lost at home to play-off-chasing Sheffield Wednesday, but of greater concern was their 1-0 defeat to Owen Coyle’s strugglers at Ewood Park.

Shelvey’s ban came during an incident during Newcastle’s loss to Wolves back in September, as reported by the Telegraph. Looking further ahead, could the 24 year-old’s absence come back to bite his side come May.

During the festive period, Brighton have leapfrogged their rivals to the top of the Sky Bet Championship, as the gap to the Magpies in second has been cut to just six points by Reading.

Despite their game at the Amex Stadium being postponed last Friday night due to heavy fog, the Seagulls have now won five on the bounce, impressively overhauling a rising Fulham side inside a minute on Monday afternoon.

If we look more closely, Shelvey’s absence is costing Benitez’s men at both ends of the field.

The Newcastle man is tied with winger Matt Ritchie for key passes per game on average with two, while Shelvey’s 7.6 long balls per game have been a critical absence during the festive period.

As too have been his trio of goals and six assists this term. Dwight Gayle added two more goals against Nottingham Forest to take his tally to 19, but did Shelvey’s absence in their two losses affect not just their defence, but also their attack?

With another two games to serve of his ban, a result following their FA Cup Third Round tie with Birmingham City will be critical, particularly with a tricky trip away to Brentford on Monday week.

Barring clearance, Jonjo Shelvey will then return against League One bound Rotherham United, before a huge clash away at Brighton seven days later.

Shelvey has his chance to make amends for his discretion then, but as the weeks wind down to May, Newcastle fans will be hoping the damage is not already done, as Benitez aims to return his men to the Premier League.