Newcastle United have suffered a number of injuries in recent weeks, but Eddie Howe has been impressed with the return of Joe Willock ahead of the huge game against Borussia Dortmund.
Whilst the likes of Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy remain out, one positive for Howe has been the return of Joe Willock who had been out injured for around six months since the end of last season.
The 45-year-old head coach has been impressed with how the midfielder has returned from a serious hamstring injury he picked up in the game against Brighton in May.
The £25m player had been expected back earlier in the season but suffered a setback which kept him out for a few more weeks.
Willock finally made his return against Dortmund just a few weeks ago and has been key in victories over Manchester United and Arsenal.
Newcastle vs Dortmund: Howe claims that Willock could be key
In his pre-match press conference, Howe suggested that the former Arsenal man gives us another option in midfield, something we haven’t had for a while now.
His linkup play with Joelinton down the left is something that we haven’t seen enough of in this campaign but was very effective last season.
Speaking to the press, Howe said: “I’d say he’s done really well. I thought he made a real positive impact coming on against Arsenal.
“His all-round performance and physical being has looked really strong so delighted with his return to the team.
“He always gives us a different balance in midfield, he always gives us something different that we haven’t got.”
Newcastle will face Dortmund tonight without nine senior players who are either injured or suspended, putting a lot of pressure on the likes of Willock who will have to be on top form.
Howe now has selection headache this evening
Willock’s energy and ability to drive at the defence has been crucial in the last two games where he netted at Old Trafford and recovered the ball for the goal against Arsenal.
In the reverse fixture it certainly felt as though Newcastle were missing a someone to spark the attack into life and although he did come of the bench, he could have a much bigger impact tonight.
It’s unclear, however, whether or not Howe will be willing to risk the midfielder playing so many minutes so soon after returning.
With Bruno Guimaraes suspended for Newcastle’s trip to Bournemouth this weekend, it’s likely that the 24-year-old will again have to play a big part in the midfield.
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