Jonjo Shelvey has barely played for Newcastle United this season due to injury, and Eddie Howe has expressed his delight that the midfielder is now back.
The 30-year-old looked in excellent shape in pre-season, and looked likely to be a guaranteed starter for the Magpies.
However, injury struck in Portugal. He was forced off against Benfica, and needed to undergo calf surgery. It was a huge blow for Shelvey, who had been key in Newcastle’s resurgence last season.
He had pretty much been an ever present since Howe became manager, but this season he has been forced to watch on from the sidelines.
Shelvey did return before the World Cup, making three substitute appearances in the league to trigger a one-year contract extension. He also started the League Cup win over Crystal Palace before continuing his rehab in Saudi Arabia while the team prepared for Premier League football to return.
Now the midfielder is fully fit, and hoping to force his way back into the starting XI. It is unclear when that will happen, but Howe is very happy to have a fully fit Shelvey in his squad.
Eddie Howe on Jonjo Shelvey returning from injury
Ahead of the game against Leicester, Howe spoke to the media and addressed Shelvey’s fitness.
“Jonjo is a key component of our squad,” Howe said.
“He’s got that experience, but he’s also got a fierce drive and determination to play, and he’s got unique skills that we need in the team. I’m delighted to get him back.”
Shelvey waits for an opportunity
The last time Shelvey started a Premier League game was April 30th. It has been a long time since the £12million man kicked off a game, and that is because of injury rather than form.
He ended last season with an injury, then the aforementioned pre-season blow ruined his start to the 2022/23 campaign.
In his absence, Newcastle have been brilliant – particularly in midfield. Bruno Guimaraes is obviously a guaranteed starter, while Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are both enjoying rich veins of form. They were excellent before the World Cup.
Howe also has Joelinton as an option in the middle, but he has been forced to play out wide in recent games.
With four players vying for three positions, it is incredibly difficult for Howe to keep everyone happy. Now he has a fully fit Shelvey too, who becomes midfield option number five.
As Howe says, Shelvey can offer something ‘unique’. His passing range and variety is exquisite. Combine that with excellent vision and you have an unstoppable midfielder on his day.
But when will Shelvey get the chance to have one of those days? Right now, it is unclear how he is going to get back in the side. Newcastle’s midfield are operating brilliantly without him, and it feels like the only way he will get back in is if someone else suffers an injury.
Howe believes Shelvey is a key member of the squad, but for now he is not a key member of the starting XI.
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