Newcastle United have another full-back to call on and not before time.
Newcastle United have had to make do without left-back Massadio Haidara for the whole of this season to date, but the Frenchman’s appearances for the Magpies’ under-23s earlier this week suggested he is ready to make up for lost time.
In his absence Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has opted for summer signing Javier Manquillo, with a player more familiar with the right-back role starting the last six league games on the opposite flank.
The Spaniard’s performances have improve as the season has gone one, but some Newcastle fans still feel Manquillo is not of the sufficient standard to be starting regularly for the club, and it will be interesting to see how he responds to Haidara’s return.
The latter still has a way to go before he is starting week in, week out in the Premier League, and Newcastle will know better than to rush him back.
That said, his looming shadow could directly impact Manquillo’s own performances over the coming weeks, and the 23-year-old will either up his game accordingly or crumble under the pressure.
Benitez will be hoping it is the former, as will Newcastle supporters desperate to see them back to winning ways after three straight league defeats for the first time in the Spaniard’s tenure.
Haidara could be a great player for Newcastle if he can overcome his regular injury woes, but he could also be the motivating factor that prompts Manquillo to hold tight to his starting spot.
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