Newcastle United were without some big names against Chelsea on Wednesday night, including Bruno Guimaraes and Harvey Barnes.
There was some surprise when Eddie Howe‘s team was announced ahead of the Magpies’ second game of the Premier League Summer Series. It was a very strong starting XI, but there was a severe lack of depth on the bench.
The only major player in reserve was first choice goalkeeper Nick Pope, with Newcastle’s outfield substitutes consisting of youth players. Harrison Ashby was the biggest name involved, with his presence hinting that a loan move to Swansea City is not as close as it seems.
It was an interesting team selection from Howe, who turned down the opportunity to give Barnes some more minutes in black and white after joining the club at the weekend.
Now the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder has explained why the 25-year-old was not involved against Chelsea.
Newcastle rest key players against Chelsea
According to Ryder, the likes of Bruno and Barnes are fully fit and were just rested for the game against Chelsea at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
He wrote on Twitter: “Harvey Barnes and Bruno Guimaraes are both fully fit. Simply rested tonight.”
They will star in Newcastle’s next game
With Newcastle set to play again in 48 hours, it looks like Howe has split his squad into two. The major names who did not play against Chelsea will be the stars of the show when we face Brighton on Friday night.
That means Newcastle fans need to wait a little bit longer to see more of Barnes.
He looked exciting during his 20 minute cameo against Aston Villa, but Howe has admitted that he is not quite as sharp as the rest of his Toon teammates. That will hopefully begin to change with a lengthy outing up against Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Barnes will surely start on Friday, and it is likely that he will be joined in attack by Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy, who also missed the Chelsea friendly.
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