Steve Bruce confirms big Newcastle blow as star man suffers freak injury

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that midfielder Sean Longstaff is out of contention for the trip to Liverpool on Saturday after suffering a “freak” injury in training.

Longstaff only recently returned from a serious knee injury and has looked solid in his comeback, starting three of the Magpies’ four Premier League games so far this season.

However, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Friday, Bruce revealed that the Englishman hurt his ankle blocking a corner while in preparations for the clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side.

“Unfortunately, he turned an ankle in training so won’t be in contention for Saturday,” the manager said. “It’s one of those freak injuries. We won’t know how severe it is for a couple of days but it’s a bit of a blow for us.”

Newcastle have had other injury problems in the early weeks of the season, with Matt Ritchie one player who has, according to Bruce, “shocked” the club with how he has stepped up recovery from a foot problem.

“Matt’s been quite remarkable in his recovery – he’s shocked us all,’ Bruce said. “We weren’t expecting to see him for a couple of months, but with the way he’s trained yesterday and the day before – as long as there’s no reaction – I don’t think he’s too far away.

“It’s still a bit early for Allan Saint-Maximin and we’re erring on the side of caution.”

Newcastle go into Saturday’s clash 14th in the table, while Liverpool – who have a perfect record in the league so far – sit top.

 

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