Steve Bruce has hit out at Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury after he left Matt Ritchie in “a mess” after the Magpies’ EFL Cup exit at St James’ Park.
Ritchie is now a doubt for the clash with Watford in the Premier League and Bruce has two other question marks over his players.
Speaking after the game , in which Choudbury avoided a red card for his challenge on Ritchie, he said: “It was difficult with the problems we had.
“I was forced to make the changes, we didn’t want to do it and we’ve lost three tonight.
“The mess Matt Ritchie’s in - it was horror challenge. When I see the mess on his leg.
“We fear ankle damage, he’s got three stitches in his leg. I don’t want players sent off but when it’s horror challenges, it isn’t good.
“It’s a horror one, it’s over the top. Believe me, it’s a horrible one.”
Bruce could also be without Jetro Willems and Emil Krafth against the Hornets.
He said: “Jetro has a hamstring injury and Emil Krafth has a thigh injury.
“We’re disappointed to go out but we did everything we can.”
