Ciaran Clark was loaned out to Sheffield United after falling down the pecking order under Eddie Howe, but his stint at Bramall Lane has turned into a nightmare as he’s missed the Blades’ last five games due to injury.
Clark started consecutive league games for Sheff Utd upon his arrival from Newcastle, losing 1-0 to Watford on August 1 and winning 2-0 against Millwall on August 6, but he’s not featured since.
Instead, Paul Heckingbottom has been forced to call upon Anel Ahmedhodzic, Chris Basham and John Egan at centre-back, so Clarke might have to fight for his place upon his return.
With Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn for competition at Newcastle, the Ireland international didn’t stand a chance of playing for the Magpies again.
Dropping down a division made sense as a result, but bad luck has turned the move sour. Heckingbottom will no doubt hope he’ll have Clark back soon, but he was expected back by now.
The last update on the defender came a week ago and suggested he was back running on grass, so his return should come in September.
In other news, Newcastle are unlikely to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko
