Steve Bruce has been speaking ahead of the visit of league leaders Everton on Sunday afternoon and confirmed captain Jamaal Lascelles is a major doubt for the clash with a foot injury.
The Magpies boss goes in search of a third win of the season after a disappointing fortnight saw the Toon well beaten at St James’ Park at the hands of Manchester United before a late Jacob Murphy goal earned a point late on at Wolves.
Now, with high-flying Everton heading to the North East, Bruce said via the Chronicle Live: “We have one doubt with the captain (Lascelles). He has a foot injury but we have 48 hours to assess him.”
In more positive news, however, the 59-year-old confirmed midfield trio Matty and Sean Longstaff, as well as Isaac Hayden will all be available for selection, confirming of the latter: “We couldn’t risk him last week.”
Criticised in some quarters for the brand of football at the club, the former centre-back has spoken about his team’s tactics: “We aren’t going to score two or three goals every week,” Steve Bruce said. “We would love to. Don’t get me wrong, we would love to be the Entertainers again but it’s just not possible so we have to get that balance right.”
Finally, last weekend’s hero Jacob Murphy: ”The big thing for him is to mount a challenge to get in the team. In time, if he cements that place and does well, then that (a new deal) is the next step. We paid a lot of money for him a few years ago. It might have been a bit too early for him.”
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Although Lascelles, and the defence, on the whole, haven’t been rock solid so far this term, conceding 10 goals in six matches and forcing Karl Darlow to pull off the most saves in the league, the captain’s absence would be a huge hole in the middle of the back four.
Fabian Schar may be the man called up to partner Federico Fernandez should the 26-year-old defender not make it, the Swiss international has appeared three times in the league so far this season.
Another option could be the back to fitness Ciaran Clark, the Irishman has made his return to competitive football for the Toon Under 23 side recently.
