Is Matt Ritchie’s injury a concern for Newcastle United?

Will Newcastle United’s assist leader be out for a long period of time? Hopefully not, with answers expected to be coming soon.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez require all of their players to be at their best for the season’s final eight games, looking to avoid relegation. In order to do so they must also remain healthy, and one of the club’s in-form talents could now potentially miss time after the international break.

Matt Ritchie has returned to the North East after spending the past few days with the Scotland national team, and will be examined following a reported groin issue. Scotland are in Hungary tonight for a friendly, but the 28-year-old will not be a part of the squad.

Ritchie played in the side’s 1-0 loss to Costa Rica last week. The winger started and was subbed off in the 87th minute for Jamie Murphy.

The severity of the situation is unknown at this point, but the Magpies should gain some clarity on the injury after medical examinations.

Ritchie has been playing extremely well as of late, so Benitez and the fans will be anxious and hopeful that this is not too serious.

Others must be ready

If the former Bournemouth man does miss action, others within the squad must be prepared to contribute. Against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, it may be Christian Atsu or Jacob Murphy to fill the void.

Kenedy has done extremely well on the opposite side of Ritchie, with both producing goals in the Toon’s 3-0 win against Southampton.

Ritchie’s departure from Scotland may of course only be precautionary, and there is no confirmation at this moment that he will miss Saturday’s game. However, if he does, Murphy and Atsu can provide positivity in the final third.

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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez want to remain in the Premier League next season, and Matt Ritchie will be an important part of that objective during the next few weeks.