It’s been a busy day on the injury news front at Newcastle United.
Magpies boss Steve Bruce held a press conference this morning to update supporters on a number of players.
The main headline is that Callum Wilson is facing up to eight weeks out with a torn hamstring, in what is a bitter blow for the club.
But there was also an update on Javi Manquillo, with Bruce claiming the Spaniard will be out for a similar amount of time to Wilson (via Northern Echo).
With DeAndre Yedlin having departed for Galatasaray, the position of right-back is now looking a lot weaker.
Manquillo would undoubtedly have been the regular pick following the USA international’s exit, but Bruce will now have to turn to someone else.
Manquillo’s absence presents a brilliant opportunity for one Emil Krafth, who has struggled to convince during his time at St. James’ Park so far.
The Swede joined in the summer of 2019 from Amiens for around £5 million (BBC Sport), and has never really appealed to the masses – but this could now be a turning point for the player.
Krafth’s time to shine?
For a lot of Newcastle supporters right now, Krafth isn’t good enough.
He throws a good game in every now and then, but his signing has undoubtedly been disappointing so far.
But perhaps that’s been down to a lack of a long run in the starting XI.
With Newcastle now moving to a four-man defence, he should get the nod to play at right-back.
Jacob Murphy has played a few times at right wing-back, but to use him as a traditional right-back would be a big risk by Bruce.
Krafth could well get an extended run as a result, and how he fares could have a big bearing on what happens with him in the summer.
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