Jonjo Shelvey has handed Steve Bruce a huge fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s game against Norwich.
As reported by Chronicle Live, the player was back in training this week as the club stepped up their preparations for the Norwich game.
There were some concerns for the player after he was forced off against Arsenal last Sunday, but the injury was not as bad as first feared and he could now play a key role against Norwich.
Read Newcastle verdict
If he is fit enough to start, Shelvey has to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
You only have to look at the way that Newcastle fell apart and lost all their composure against Arsenal to see how key Shelvey can be to the balance of the team.
Norwich will be looking to attack at home so having Shelvey in the side will give Bruce’s men an opportunity to get a foothold in the match.
Arsenal enjoyed 62% of possession last Sunday and Norwich may look to do the same this weekend.
This could work in Newcastle’s favour, with Shelvey’s pinpoint passing one of the many tools they can use to exploit the Norwich backline.
His 74% pass accuracy will have to be improved, but with both Jamal Lewis and Max Aarons given the freedom to bomb forward by Daniel Farke, catching them on the counter could be Newcastle’s big breakthrough.
