With Newcastle’s survival hopes hanging in the balance, they will be less than happy to hear that full-back Daryl Janmaat has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash with Swansea due to injuries to his hand AND his groin.
In a bizarre combination of (unrelated!) injuries, Newcastle explained on the club website that 26-year-old Janmaat sustained the injury to his groin during last weeks 3-1 defeat at Southampton, in which he fell awkwardly in the build up to Graziano Pelle’s goal. In the aftermath of being substituted, Janmaat proceeded to punch the changing room during half time after angry words were exchanged by members of this apparently self-destructing squad. Janmaat subsequently left St Mary’s with his arm bound by a sling and plasterwork on two broken fingers.
If Janmaat doesn’t recover from his catalogue of injuries – his groin injury proving particularly hazardous – then 20-year-old Kevin Mbabu is likely to deputise.
On the plus side for Rafael Benitez, Fabricio Coloccini and Paul Dummett are likely to be in contention for the game at St James’ Park, having recovered from injuries to their calf and hamstring respectively.
