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4 weeks ago
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Wednesday night headlines were of course all about the dramatic penalty shootout and Newcastle United progress, however, running alongside that was the Joe Willock situation.
A first start for the midfielder in almost five months, following on from a shocker of a season affected by injury.
A dream start for Joe Willock and Newcastle United, when he put them in the lead with less than 20 seconds on the clock. However, that dream for the midfielder quickly became a nightmare.
Doing a great job to snuff out danger in his own box, Joe Willock suddenly pulling up in pain when his left leg landed on the ground.
Only 10 minutes on the clock but after treatment, Willock giving it another go. However, that lasted no time at all and Joe Willock limped off with only 15 minutes gone.
In the immediate aftermath of the match, Eddie Howe talking at length (see below) about Joe Willock and his concerns, how gutted he would feel if the player had succumbed to another serious injury and time missing from the action.
Now on Friday morning Eddie Howe has given us an update on Joe Willock – 30 August 2024:
“Joe had a scan yesterday (Thursday), an early scan, it is relatively good news.
“I don’t think it is a serious injury, but it is early, so we will re-scan again in a few days again just to confirm that.”
Brilliant to hear this and here’s hoping this early optimism after the initial scan proves on the money.
Eddie Howe talking to NUFC TV after Joe Willock scored and then was forced off with injury, in the Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest – 28 August 2024:
“We are aware of the game on Sunday against Spurs and I wanted to protect a couple of players.
“I wanted to protect Bruno a bit more than I was able to.
“Joe Willock picked up an injury.
“Terrible luck for Joe.
“I don’t know how bad it is but it was enough to take him off the pitch.
“That was a huge blow for us.
“That actually knocked our rhythm I think.
“He said he felt a little bit of pain in his thigh, when he hit the ground I think.
“He thought it was cramp initially, carried on, but it wasn’t to be.”
Interviewer:
“Joe Willock had given Newcastle the lead, was that just a reminder of what a good player he is?”
Eddie Howe:
“That’s why it is devastating for us because he is such a top player.
“He showed that against Bournemouth, he came on and injected energy and pace into our midfield.
“Today he scored a goal in the time that he was on.
“I’m just devastated for him if it’s another injury that does keep him out.
“Because he has worked so hard to get fit and you just want to see him have a run of games and play with confidence.
“Just enjoy his football again.
“We have tried to do everything right, nurse him back, not chuck him back into the team.
“So it will be a huge blow if he is out.”
Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:
Friday 30 August 2024 – Summer transfer window closes at 11pm.
Sunday 1 September 2024 – Newcastle v Tottenham (1.30pm) Sky Sports
(The first international break of the season)
Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30 pm) Sky Sports
Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)
Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3 pm)
Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)
Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)
Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

 
