Newcastle United will not have to face Paul Pogba when they take on Manchester United on February 21, with the midfielder ruled out through injury.
The 74-cap France international was forced off in the first-half against Everton with a thigh injury on Saturday night, and it has now been confirmed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he will miss ‘a few weeks’.
The Red Devils boss told MUTV: “It’s an injury that will take a few weeks to heal
“Paul has been very important for us and we’re not going to take any risks. [So it is] a few weeks definitely.”
It’s a big setback for Manchester United, with Pogba having been much improved lately.
The 27-year-old has been the driving force of Solskjaer’s midfield again in recent weeks, and he’ll be a real loss for them.
It surely hands Newcastle a great chance to win the midfield battle, which is always vital in any game, when the teams meet in the Premier League on February 21.
If Bruce can get his side to keep the brilliant Bruno Fernandes quiet, the Magpies could be in business.
A chance of an upset
The Pogba news is bound to boost Newcastle’s chances of three points at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer’s team have been iffy at home this season and it’s a real chance for Bruce’s side to get something from the game if Pogba – arguably their best player behind Fernandes – isn’t going to be available.
And if Newcastle can go into that game having gotten something against Chelsea, confidence should be high.
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