Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has been speaking to the press ahead of Sunday’s visit to the midland to face Wolves, and the Toon boss had some positive updates on the fitness of some of his squad.
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Speaking about last weekend’s 4-1 defeat at St James’ Park, Bruce didn’t mince his words: ”We were four minutes away from a draw. We are disappointed with the way it finished. One each, to four one… it was awful the last five minutes.”
Fitness Updates
There were two disappointing updates on Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden as the midfield duo face a race against time to be ready for Sunday. On Longstaff: ”He’s been sick – he had a horrible bout of tonsillitis. He’s feeling a bit better now. We’ll see how he is but it looks as if he’ll be OK.”
Hayden is much more of a doubt as the midfielder is struggling to recover from a hamstring strain.
The Magpies manager also confirmed Karl Darlow has 48 hours to prove his own fitness and remains “sore” ahead of the trip to Wolves.
There were more positive updates on returning trio Paul Dummett, Ciaran Clark, and Matty Longstaff, who Bruce described as “fine” after they played for the U23 side this week.
New French Signing
After completing the signing of French forward Florent Indalecio following a trial, Bruce said on the new man: ”He’s (Indalecio) going to be with the academy and we’ll see how he develops over the next year or so. He’s got a bit of talent, the kid.”
Opposition
When asked about Sunday’s opponents, the 59-year-old was under no illusions about the challenges his side face: ”They (Wolves) are a very good side, they finished seventh and we know what to expect.”
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The returning trio is a major boost to the Magpies squad, which had looked a little short on numbers of late.
However, the worrying news over both Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden remains a major worry. Both men have been influential in the heart of the midfield and should both miss-out, it would leave a major hole in the side.
