Newcastle United could soon have two major players back from injury, although there is a sense of apprehension behind the scenes.
Joe Willock was immense for Newcastle last season, leading to calls for him to be in the England squad. Big things were expected from the midfielder this year, but he has been limited to just six appearances so far.
That is because of a hamstring and Achilles injury, although it sounds like a return is not too far away.
The same goes for Harvey Barnes, who was one of the Magpies’ marquee signings during the summer transfer window. He arrived for £39million from Leicester City, but has barely featured since his big money move.
Barnes has managed just seven appearances in all competitions, and has not been seen since the 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United back in September. He sustained an innocuous foot injury that day, and has been out of action ever since.
But it is hoped that his return is on the horizon as well, which will be a huge boost to Eddie Howe. However, there is some concern behind the scenes.
Newcastle worried about Barnes and Willock
That is according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, who has been speaking about Willock and Barnes closing in on returns on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne.
“The Barnes and Willock situation has been very frustrating internally,” he said.
“They made the decision, certainly with Barnes, not to operate. And just at the point when they thought that he was going to come back he broke down again. He had basically been doing rehab and the rehab was actually more intense than the first group session he did when he came back. But for whatever reason when he went into the group session he had a setback.
“Newcastle are a bit apprehensive about how the two of them will come back and return.
“If Harvey Barnes breaks down again he will almost certainly require surgery, which could rule him out for the rest of the season.”
They will be like new signings for Newcastle
There will be a lot of nerves when Barnes completes his comeback. His initial injury was so strange, yet it has taken him an incredible amount of time to recover.
Like they did with Sven Botman, Newcastle have opted not to go down the surgery route, which has ended up paying off for the Dutchman. He now looks to be fully fit again, and the club will pray that the same happens with Barnes.
As for Willock, there was so much buzz when he initially returned from injury. The players were ecstatic to have him back, so to lose him again was devastating.
The January transfer window has been tough for Newcastle, with suggestions that the club won’t be able to make any new signings. It is very cliche, but Willock and Barnes will feel just like new signings when they return.
Hopefully that return is imminent, and when they are back that they are back for good.
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