Newcastle being without Allan Saint-Maximin is a tremendous blow for Steve Bruce, and leaves him with a big decision to make ahead of the game at Burnley on Saturday.
How to cope without the player who has been influential in turning Newcastle’s season around, is one of the toughest conundrums for the manager to solve.
But there is a brave option he could take, and one which – in our eyes – will give him the best chance of nullifying the loss of the enigmatic Frenchman.
Another player who has been in fine form recently is Jetro Willems, and he has looked equally comfortable at both ends of the pitch.
With that in mind, Bruce should consider moving the Dutchman up the field, and playing him in the role previously occupied by Saint-Maximin.
It would maintain a realistic threat on the left flank, and allow him to continue with Miguel Almiron – if he is passed fit – in his right-wing position.
Dummett moving wide could see Lejeune get his chance
With Willems further up the pitch, Paul Dummett could easily slot in at his old, familiar right-back role, which he has played as both an orthodox full-back or wing-back.
It would mean like-for-like in the wide defensive position, and leave an opening in the middle, with Fabian Schar already coming back into the side for the injured Ciaran Clark.
So finally, Bruce would have the opportunity to bring the fit again Florian Lejeune into the team for his first senior appearance since the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in April.
Bruce could take the easy route of simply bringing Christian Atsu in as a straight replacement for Saint-Maximin. He could also move Joelinton wide – where he has played before at Hoffenheim – something Bruce admitted he has toyed with.
But we think the best way to get a result at Burnley, and in other games the Frenchman may miss, is to be bold. And moving Willems forward, while restoring Lejeune to the lineup is both bold and logical.
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