Many Newcastle United supporters have been reacting to an update from Shields Gazette reporter Miles Starforth on Twitter that Federico Fernandez is back in contention for a return to the first team on Wednesday after recovering from a recent virus diagnosis.
Federico Fernandez has revealed that he’s back with the team after recovering from Covid-19. #nufc
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) December 13, 2020
The Magpies secured an important 2-1 win against West Brom on Saturday despite having a number of players unavailable and still in self-isolation. That win for Steve Bruce’s side means they head into their Wednesday evening clash with Leeds United in 12th place, just five points behind Chelsea in fifth.
One player who missed out on the West Brom game was Fernandez, who had been ever-present in this season’s Premier League before then. The experienced 31-year-old was a miss for Newcastle, but Isaac Hayden filled in and delivered an encouraging performance in an unnatural centre-back position against the Baggies.
Despite Hayden’s performance, Bruce’s side should be majorly boosted by Fernandez returning to the squad. The defender had averaged 5.1 clearances per game and win 60% of his aerial duels at the back so far this season (Sofascore). Those qualities will be needed against a Leeds side who can dominate possession and put teams under pressure.
Newcastle fans react to Federico Fernandez update
Many Newcastle fans were delighted to hear the “great news” from Starforth regarding the Argentina international, who one supporter hailed as “solid” given his efforts in recent weeks.
Pleased to have the big man back 👏 https://t.co/Amat7WEZQt
— James #NUFC #49ers ⚪⚫ 🔴🟠 (@Littlenufc) December 13, 2020
Good to see he is okay. Solid as a rock at the back.#NUFC https://t.co/kLkNYcaiqU
— Magpie 24/7 (@Magpie24_7) December 13, 2020
Him and Hayden at the back 👀
— Shelvatron (@shelvatron) December 13, 2020
Hayden stepped in great and clark has been very good ladt few games so wouldn't rush him in but if fully fit nice to have him back in there against Leeds
— Stevo (@stevo4474) December 13, 2020
Great news…good lad glad he’s ok🖤🤍❤️
— Janet (@janshoes) December 13, 2020
Great 👍
— Mr Caplin 💙🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 (@MccreadyGlenn) December 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/MrHDeputy/status/1338158446445785090?s=19
https://twitter.com/d_n_g_x/status/1338155518976724997?s=19
