Fabian Schar is reportedly not set to recover from his minor injury in time for Newcastle’s visit to West Ham on Saturday, and Steve Bruce must play Florian Lejeune instead.
Federico Fernandez replaced Schar for last week’s draw with Wolves, and played an integral part in the Newcastle goal, centring a wonderful cross for Jamaal Lascelles to head home.
But as good a job as he did, Lejeune can offer Newcastle something different, and his eye for a pass should see him restored to the starting lineup, following his lengthy injury layoff.
Having played a successful 45 minutes for the Under-23 side on Monday, having him back in the team would give a lift to the rest of the side, as well as the fans.
Bruce could play both Lejeune and Fernandez for Newcastle at West Ham
It would be slightly harsh on Fernandez, but of course, Bruce could still play both of them, which would likely mean Ciaran Clark stepping down to the bench.
But one way or the other, Bruce must find a way to get Lejeune into his team as soon as possible.
With chances likely to be at a premium for Newcastle again on Saturday, having a defender on the pitch who can comfortably spot an opportunity and then spray a 50-yard pass to turn defence into attack, could be crucial to Bruce’s game-plan.
He may only have the legs to last an hour, after such a long time out of the game, but it is much better to make the use of that time, and try to get the side into a winning position, before having to swap him out for another defender.
It would be seen as a proactive move from a manager who has been reactive too many times this season, and if it helped the team secure points against the Hammers, Bruce would receive some plaudits from the supporters for a change.
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