Injury may force Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy into defence against West Brom

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Away from all the training ground spats and takeover talk, Newcastle have actually got a game of football on Sunday. In fact, it’s a pretty big one.

The Magpies head to the Hawthorns to take on West Brom, as they look to move further away from the relegation zone.

But an injury crisis means Steve Bruce is going to forced into multiple changes.

All the talk has been about what Newcastle will do in attack, but there may be changes in defence as well.

In his pre-match press conference, Bruce stated that Emil Krafth is 50-50, having came off injured against Wolves.

And with no update on the fitness of Javi Manquillo, that potentially leaves us without a right-back on Sunday.

Isaac Hayden has filled that role before with great success, but even he is an injury doubt.

“Isaac Hayden hopefully will train today. He’s had an ankle injury for a little bit,” Bruce told BBC Newcastle.

“I don’t think it’s anything that will keep him out of the game but it’s important he’s had his rest and recovery.”

If both players are unavailable, then perhaps Jacob Murphy could be the man to slot in.

Chance in defence for Jacob Murphy?

The £12million man has had a stop-start season with Newcastle, which, in fairness, is probably better than he had expected.

Murphy has featured a lot more than anticipated, and even played as a right wing-back earlier in the campaign.

And with limited options available, the winger might be forced to slot into the back four on Sunday.

This could have a huge impact on the game. If West Brom are able to get at Murphy early on, then they could be able to capitalise on a clear weakness in our side.

But if we are able to control proceedings, then we will effectively have an extra attacker who can get forward from the back.

Ideally, at least one of Krafth or Hayden will be fit enough to play. But if not, Jacob Murphy could be thrust into the spotlight against his former club.