Nolan set to miss West Brom game.
Posted on November 28th, 2010 | 35 Comments |
It’s a strange one really as there has been no hint of an injury as such. There was a rumour a few weeks back that Nolan was carrying a knock, but as he kept on playing I assumed that it had either sorted itself out or was at the very least manageable.
Apparently not, and Chris Hughton has revealed that Nolan has indeed been carrying a knock, and that it has got steadily worse to the point where there was no other option apart from leaving him out.
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has been speaking to nufc.co.uk and revealed that Nolan is set to miss next weekends trip to West Bromwich Albion. Hughton said:
“Unfortunately for Kevin he’s been carrying this ankle problem for a little while now. He’s a real tough character and has been playing through it. He’s at the stage now where it’s come to a head and he’ll have an injection on Monday. At this moment he will miss next week’s game but we’re hopeful he’ll be available after that.”
It’s a blow losing our second highest goalscorer, but there are positives that can come out of it. Wayne Routledge had his best game for a while against Chelsea, but with Joey Barton returning to action against The Baggies it could have meant that Routledge may have been displaced to fit Joey in.
Not now it seems, as we are likely to see Danny Guthrie drop to the bench to be replaced by Joey Barton with Wayne Routledge retaining his favoured right-side position. It will also see Barton return to his natural central midfield position.
I know Nolan has his doubters, but he will be a miss in my opinion. Mind you, I would be more concerned if Joey Barton wasn’t ready and able to step back into the team. Nolan was bound to miss games now and again, but thankfully he plays in a position in which we have plenty of cover.
At least his injury is only short-term it seems!
Guthrie did not take his chance and neither did Ameobi. Taylor and Sol did. I am glad we have Barton coming back and I am surprised we did not have Vukic on the bench with both Nolan and Barton out.
…………Krul
Simps….Tayls..Sol….Enrique
Rought….Tiote…Barton…Gutti
……..Carroll..Loven
I’d like to see Loven get the benefit of Tiote winning the ball in midfield. Ranger has done done enough as a sub for my liking either and would be better off getting some game time out on loan.