During Saturday’s contest against Bournemouth, Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock went down with a lower-body injury.
After reports were made, it was confirmed that in the 35th minute of the contest, he suffered a hamstring injury.
Now, Newcastle will be potentially without Willock, Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson as they approach a very important contest against the No. 10 ranked Premier League team in Liverpool.
The last time these two teams took on one another, Newcastle received their only league play loss of the season.
Willock has been an extremely important and crucial piece in the midfield for Newcastle this season contributing two goals and two assists. He has also been a crucial piece when it comes to defensive stands, as he’s a two-way player who can provide when attacking and when defending.
The team is already without midfielder Bruno Guiramaes, and now without potentially Willock, the midfield becomes very thin.
Against Liverpool on Saturday, the most likely midfield group will consist of Elliot Anderson, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton.
Although this is not ideal, losing Joe Willock now gives Anderson the opportunity to gain some key minutes as he looks to find a footing in the starting rotation for Newcastle. This will also be a big contest to see what Joelinton and Longstaff can do as the focal points in the midfield.
On the off chance that Anderson does not start, the manager for Newcastle United, Eddie Howe, may elect to give Anthony Gordon the opportunity to shine in Willock’s place.
Gordon, who has come off the bench and impressed in both contests with his new club, may find his first start with the team.
Newcastle United takes on Liverpool this Saturday, Feb. 18, at 5:30 GMT.
Expect to see an announcement on the health of the team coming early on in the week, where NewcastleToons.com will update the status of the team’s midfield.
Want your voice heard? Join the Newcastle Toons team!