Newcastle United will hope that Elliot Anderson returns from injury in time to face Fulham next month.
When the teamsheet was released on Saturday for the game against Bournemouth, it was a real shock to see that Anderson was missing.
The teenager has been a real bright spark this season, leading to calls for him to be included in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
However, Anderson wasn’t involved at all against the Cherries. After the game, Howe confirmed that the 19-year-old had a minor injury.
He was a real miss, with Newcastle having no game-changers in reserve. The Magpies need to create more chances in their next game, an away trip to Craven Cottage on October 1st.
And the Athletic’s Chris Waugh has provided an update on whether or not Anderson will be involved versus Fulham.
Waugh on when Anderson will return
On the latest episode of the Athletic’s Pod On The Tyne, Waugh discussed when Newcastle’s injured players will return.
It doesn’t sound good regarding Allan Saint-Maximin, but we should be seeing Callum Wilson and Anderson soon after the international break.
“I think Saint-Maximin – maybe another game or two, but Callum Wilson will be back [against Fulham],” he said.
“Elliot Anderson’s injury is minor so he should be back involved hopefully as well. So that’s a significant positive.”
Newcastle really need Anderson during ASM absence
With the Magpies likely set to be without Saint-Maximin for the game against Fulham and possibly the fixture after, it’s vital that Anderson returns from injury.
The academy graduate is a creative spark who is capable of creating chances. He’s done exactly that in every Premier League cameo he’s enjoyed this season.
That’s what Newcastle were missing against Bournemouth, with Howe’s side unable to break down a stubborn Cherries team.
If Anderson had been involved, perhaps the outcome could have been different. But instead fans watched on as Miguel Almiron, Ryan Fraser and then Jacob Murphy failed to have impact in the final third.
Newcastle were limp in attack at the weekend, and the continued absence of Saint-Maximin is a real issue. Hopefully the return of Anderson can ease some of our attacking concerns.