Injuries at Newcastle United are proving to be a ‘real problem’ for Magpies manager Eddie Howe, according to pundit Paddy Kenny.
The Lowdown: Key players out
The Tyneside club have been unlucky with injuries so far this season, with some of their most important players seemingly unavailable for various reasons at the same time as one another.
According to medical expert Ben Dinnery on 2nd September, 2021/22 top scorer Callum Wilson may not feature again until after the international break in October due to his latest hamstring injury.
Alongside their number nine, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and winger Allan Saint-Maximin have both been absent for the Magpies’ last three and two league matches respectively, leaving Howe’s side without a league win since the opening day triumph over Nottingham Forest.
The Latest: Kenny’s claim
In light of Newcastle’s setbacks, Kenny believes that the Magpies have been very much affected, claiming that those who have deputised aren’t of the same quality as the players who are ruled out.
Speaking with Football Insider, the former QPR goalkeeper claimed: “Every club misses their best players. I think it is a real problem for Newcastle though. You are talking about three quality players all being out injured at the same time.
“Saint-Maximin makes things happen and we all know how good Bruno is. Wilson seems to be the only Newcastle player who knows how to score consistently.
“So it is no surprise to me to see them struggle without those players in there. You just hope they can come back as soon as possible because the players who are replacing them just aren’t up to scratch.”
The Verdict: No need to panic
Whilst Howe will be disappointed that his team have only won one Premier League game so far this season, the Tynesiders have also lost just once, adding four draws to their seven-point tally.
Wilson’s absence will always be heavily felt by Newcastle, given their reliance on him for goals. Indeed, despite playing just 18 top-flight games last season, the 30-year-old was the Magpies’ top scorer with eight goals, with Saint-Maximin and Guimaraes coming in joint-second with five goals each.
Therefore, with that crucial trio possibly nearing their returns from injury later this month, Newcastle will be hoping to make an immediate response to their disappointing recent results.