Newcastle United supporters are growing increasingly frustrated at the decision not to sign a midfielder in January. Jonjo Shelvey was allowed to leave for Nottingham Forest despite the Magpies already being light in the engine room.
Bruno Guimaraes’ red card in the Carabao Cup semi-final meant that, against West Ham United and Bournemouth, Newcastle started the game with no midfielder on the bench. Disaster struck early on at the Vitality Stadium as Joe Willock was forced off holding his hamstring.
Eddie Howe introduced Anthony Gordon from the bench - forcing his system into a rethink. The new arrival usually operates on either flank but was tasked with playing the number 10 role behind Alexander Isak.
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Once news broke that Shelvey would be leaving last month, the Toon boss admitted signing a midfielder is a transfer priority. Reports had linked Newcastle with Sheffield United talisman Sander Berge but a deal never materialised.
Toon chiefs gambled on players staying fit for the remainder of the campaign as Howe and co embark on a Champions League run-in. However, that call may have backfired if Willock faces a lengthy spell on the treatment table…
Supporters were immediately concerned by the 23-year-old’s withdrawal on social media.
@QCartiB: Daft not to sign a midfielder even before selling Shelvey. Terrible decision by the club
@LMnufc87: Down to the bare bones in midfield now with Willock going off injured. Didn't need reinforcements though.
Gallowgate82: That's 2 of the midfield 4 out for LFC with Willock having a hamstring injury he won't be fit. Failure to buy in Jan will haunt us
@kempza1k: Willock injured, so we will play Liverpool with only 3 midfielders available but we decided to spend 45 mil on a winger instead
@lucas_jackson88: Can we admit the owners cocked up the January transfer window by not signing a creative midfielder yet #nufc
@mattsymonds: The lack of buying no midfielder in January is haunting us sooner than I thought.
What are your thoughts on Newcastle United's midfielder situation after Joe Willock's injury? Join the conversation in the comments...
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