Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe may be forced into using a brand new midfield trio against Liverpool next weekend after Joe Willock limped off against Bournemouth. The 23-year-old was forced out of the 1-1 draw after only 35 minutes on the south coast with an apparent hamstring injury.
Willock has been instrumental in Newcastle's unbeaten run but could now face a lengthy spell on the sidelines following his early exit on Saturday evening. Speaking after the game, Eddie Howe admitted he was concerned for the youngster.
“Miggy and Maxi I don’t think are too bad," Howe said at full-time, reflecting on other injury concerns. "Miggy, I think got a stamp on his, so I think he’ll be OK. Maxi, I think, was just a knock. The concern from today is Joe Willock who has a hamstring problem. We’ll see how he is.”
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Newcastle were already light in midfield before they allowed Jonjo Shelvey to leave in January and the failure to replace the 30-year-old is proving a poor decision with hindsight. Bruno Guimaraes remains suspended for one more game, thus further exacerbating Newcastle's woes in the middle of the park.
Willock was replaced by January addition Anthony Gordon against Bournemouth, with Newcastle fans getting a glimpse of the trio that may be used at St James' Park against Jurgen Klopp's side next weekend.
Gordon, naturally a winger, was brought on to play in the number 10 position following Willock's abrupt exit. Sean Longstaff was subsequently dropped deeper to sit alongside Joelinton in a double pivot. Thankfully the academy graduate still ventured forward whenever he got the chance, playing a huge role in Miguel Almiron's equaliser.
Playing an out and out No 10 is something Howe hasn't opted for too often this season. Willock, Bruno, Joelinton and Longstaff often rotate their positions with each taking turns to push on at different stages of the game.
Gordon has played in that attacking midfield role before but was probably not expecting to be deployed there so early into his Newcastle career. His ability to play in a number of different positions is one of the key reasons Newcastle pushed so hard for his signature.
Longstaff and Joelinton will also have no issue playing slightly deeper alongside one another. However, with a cup final on the horizon it is not a change Howe will be relishing making just two weeks out from Wembley.
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