Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that previously out-of-favour winger Christian Atsu has been handed a lifeline at St James’ Park by being included in the Premier League squad for the remainder of the season.
The 29-year-old had previously been frozen out by Bruce, not appearing in a single league match in 2020/21 to this point, but he could now play a part in the remainder of the season.
Atsu’s inclusion was confirmed by Bruce during his pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle’s clash with injury-ravaged Southampton this weekend – although the manager may have upset another squad member in doing so.
He said (via Chronicle Live): “There’s only him or Henri Saivet to choose from so it was pretty straight-forward.”
It was far from a glowing reference for either the included Ghanaian or the exiled 30-year-old Senegal midfielder, and some of the Magpies faithful were quick to react to Bruce’s withering words…
Twitter: @ChronicleNUFC Poor Saivet (@byernysern)
Twitter: Bit harsh on Saivet like https://t.co/szz5umcnBw (@JoshTulip9)
Twitter: @NUFC No please no. He’s the worst player in the club. (@lewisthepanther)
Twitter: @NUFC Oh brilliant, a winger that will be 6th choice?
Why not Saivet? Who would be our 2nd choice CDM? (@LukeButler8)
Twitter: @Cwm20_marson @NUFC @brad_nicholls9 @danaz123 Absolutely shocking
(@MattyNicholls07)
Twitter: @NUFC justice for saivet (@hollyoakIey)
