The busy Christmas period has been tough for Newcastle, and it could get even tougher when Leicester arrive at St James’ Park.
We arguably didn’t deserve to lose on Saturday, but the game against the Foxes will be an even bigger challenge. Steve Bruce has injury problems to contest with too, so who will start the first game of 2020?
Playing through the pain barrier
After the Everton defeat, Bruce admitted that Schar and Lejeune are doubts for the Leicester game. The former has a hamstring problem while the latter has had to play a lot since his return after a lengthy injury.
But with so many players ruled out, the duo might have to play through the pain barrier and risk missing the FA Cup third round.
Bruce doesn’t have many options. Isaac Hayden has played centre-back in the past, while Kelland Watts has trained with the first-team. Alternatively, Bruce could revert to a back four – but he did that the last time we played Leicester…
Gayle in, Joelinton out
Another player who is struggling to be fit is Joelinton. The Brazilian has a calf problem which could see him miss the game against Leicester.
This could hand an opportunity to Dwight Gayle, who has seriously struggled in the previous two games.
Ahead of the January window, he’s done nothing to suggest he shouldn’t be sold. But with the window now open, he might get one more chance to prove his worth.
Predicted lineup to face Leicester: Dubravka; Yedlin, Schar, Fernandez, Lejeune, Willems; Hayden, Shelvey, Almiron, Gayle, Carroll.
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