Not many would have expected Newcastle United to recall Matt Targett this season when he initially joined rivals Middlesbrough on loan for the rest of the season.
Still, such are the extent of the injury problems at the club, there have been suggestions that Newcastle United could recall Targett from his loan.
Injuries to Tino Livramento and Dan Burn have left Newcastle desperately short at left-back.
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Lewis Hall is a fine option there but the England international has suffered with injuries this season, meaning Targett could be a potential option.
The former Aston Villa defender has hardly featured for Eddie Howe in recent seasons but would be a logical player to turn to amid the injury crisis.
Targett has impressed for Boro and it seems as if they are planning for him to stay at the club.
Middlesbrough confirm they expect Matt Targett to stay at the club
Boro boss Kim Hellberg was asked about Targett’s immediate future on Teesside ahead of his side’s defeat to Bristol City on Saturday.
Hellberg, who is looking to lead Boro into the Premier League this season, confirmed he was planning for the 30-year-old to remain at the club for the rest of the season.
Interestingly, Targett was also praised for his performances when playing as a centre-back for Boro.
“I count on him being here and that’s all I know on that question. I’m trying not to think about losing him,” he said during a press conference.
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“What I can tell you is that when he’s played, he’s been very, very good. He’s been top with his movement, top with the ball. He’s a very intelligent player with a brilliant left foot so he’s been fantastic.
“And he also showed that he could play centre-back. That was brilliant from him, so he’s been terrific. He’s a very nice guy.
“I would say it’s looking the same to me. When I talk to him, when I look at him, I see him play, when I see him with the boys, when I see him on the pitch, he looks like he enjoys his time here.”
In total, the former Southampton youngster has made 19 appearances for the Championship side, scoring two goals and registering one assist.
When Newcastle United will make a decision on Matt Targett’s future
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Newcastle’s draw with Chelsea, Howe confirmed that a decision was imminent.
The club will not rush into making any decisions in the transfer market, which surely includes Targett’s future, just because of an injury crisis.
Instead, they will evaluate the situation in the first week of January.
By then, the likes of Burn and Livramento could be close to a return to action, which would make recalling Targett pointless.
“I think we will make decisions on what that injury situation looks like in the first week of January,” he said.
Targett is set to leave Newcastle this summer at the end of his contract anyway.
Unless there’s a dire need for him to return right away, he is surely better served staying put.
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