Newcastle United are worried about the extent of right-back De Andre Yedlin’s injury, having witnessed the American leave St James’ Park on crutches following his withdrawal in the Magpies 2-1 loss to Tottenham on Saturday.
Fellow right-back option Florian Lejeune has already been ruled out for a considerable amount of time, suffering a knee injury in pre-season training, and with Yedlin now unlikely to be available for Newcastle’s trip to Cardiff next weekend, Rafa Benitez is already struggling to cope with a squad severely underfunded by the distant and much-revered owner Mike Ashley.
Yedlin’s prolonged absence now means either Javier Manquillo or Jamie Sterry are now in contention for a run the side, with neither player having shown particular promise in attempting to displace the 25-year-old, there are now worries that a potentially detrimental slip in form could ensue.
Over the past couple of years Yedlin, a former loanee of staunch rivals Sunderland, has cemented his place in the side making 66 appearances under the tutelage of Benitez.
Following the 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, Benitez said: “There is a problem with his knee, but we need to wait. “The doctor has to assess him properly.”
Yedlin couldn’t put weight on his right leg and needed assistance in order to get to and from the dressing room.
Newcastle’s medical team are expected to offer an update on Yedlin’s condition in due course.
Having played in all of Newcastle’s friendly games Benitez regarded him as one of his fittest players, and as a result, the injury has come as a shock to everyone involved in the club.
