Shaka Hislop has revealed that his only concern with Newcastle United after their victory over Man United is the lack of depth due to the current injury list.
Newcastle were forced into making one change on Saturday with Nick Pope suffering from a shoulder injury, but other than that only Matt Ritchie made an appearance from the bench in the last few minutes.
Shaka Hislop said on ESPN how pleased he was with the victory, but admitted that he is worried about fatigue and a lack of rotation in future games.
Newcastle have no plan B
With so many injuries or suspensions to first-team players, Newcastle have almost no options to bring off the bench in more difficult games where they’re losing and chasing the game.
If Eddie Howe’s high-intensity tactics aren’t working or he wants to wear a team down, there’s currently no one to substitute in to try and catch the opposition out towards the end of the game.
Newcastle have done so well to navigate their current injury list and keep the high tempo up throughout the full 90, especially against Man United, but it’s not something that you can continue with for a whole season.
Former Newcastle keeper Hislop has expressed his concerns about the injuries, despite claiming the team were ‘simply outstanding’ on Saturday.
On ESPN FC, Hislop said: “I thought Newcastle we simply outstanding. I must admit I had my concerns coming into this one, but as a starting 11 Newcastle are outstanding. So much about Newcastle just feels right.
“My only concern is that given the injury issues, if they find themselves trailing or needing to change things, they simply can’t.”
Newcastle need star players back
Sven Botman and Harvey Barnes are hopeful of returning in the near future, with the Dutch defender now running on grass again after picking up a knee injury.
However, that will still not be enough for Eddie Howe who now has an entire starting 11 out with injuries with Pope the latest to be added to the squad.
Newcastle were one injury away from playing another academy graduate alongside Lewis Miley in the midfield against Man United at the weekend and will want to avoid that possibility at all costs.
It’s well known by now that Newcastle are in the market for a new midfielder, but they will have to navigate their way through the busy Christmas period before getting the chance to sign any reinforcements.
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