Elliot Anderson could now get the Newcastle chance he needs

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A departure and a red card could hand Elliot Anderson the Newcastle United opportunity he has been waiting for.

The 20-year-old has been on the fringes this season, despite showing a lot of early promise at the beginning of the campaign.

Eddie Howe decided against loaning the midfielder out, and Anderson justified that decision with a string of exciting cameos.

However, with the stakes raised and a selection of injury problems, the local lad has struggled for minutes over the past few months.

His only start since the early stages of the Carabao Cup came in the FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, on a night where Anderson struggled. All the post-match talk was about Chris Wood’s miss, but Anderson was just as guilty of passing up a wonderful chance to score.

There was speculation that he could be loaned out during January, but that didn’t happen. He remained at St James’ Park, and is now presented with a chance to get the minutes he has been craving.

Bruno Guimaraes red should allow Elliot Anderson to feature

Newcastle spent deadline day trying to sign a replacement for Jonjo Shelvey. They were unable to, and ended the transfer window without another midfielder for the next three games.

Bruno Guimaraes was sent off on Tuesday night, and will be suspended for the Premier League fixtures against West Ham, Bournemouth and Liverpool.

His absence is a major blow, especially given the fact the club were unable to sign a centre-midfielder in January.

Joelinton will move inside and take Bruno’s place, but Howe has limited options in reserve. But Anderson can play in the middle of the park, and will be hoping to get more regular minutes off the bench between now and when Bruno returns – which will be the Carabao Cup final on February 26th.

Howe will be keen to try and protect some his players ahead of the cup final, and that should give Anderson the opportunity to feature.

Howe has spoke about Anderson playing more

The Toon boss has actually spoke about Anderson stepping up in Bruno’s absence, and believes he is ready to start.

“I think he’s [Anderson] ready to start from a physical perspective for sure,” Howe told the Athletic.

“He’s had a few niggles, but these were one or two-day injuries that set back his rhythm of training. So I don’t think he’s had a really fluid period.

“But I think now in training, we’re going to see the very best of him again, similar to what we saw in pre-season.”

The youngster did feature off the bench as a late substitute during the Carabao Cup semi final win, and will hope for more minutes in the coming weeks – starting on Saturday night against West Ham.