Newcastle United, Newcastle, Newcastle news, Newcastle updates, Magpies, Toon, NUFC, St. James' Park, Eddie Howe, Ryan Fraser
An injury expert has now dropped a worrying Newcastle United claim on Ryan Fraser.
The Lowdown: Howe verdict
Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of their 1-0 loss at home to Liverpool in the Premier League last time out, Eddie Howe admitted that he was not sure if Fraser would be able to play again this season.
The former Burnley and AFC Bournemouth manager does not think that it is a serious injury, but it looks as if the Scotland international will struggle to get back into the team from now until the end of the campaign.
The Latest: Dinnery reacts
Speaking to Football Insider, Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in both medicine and data analysis, has claimed that while Fraser’s injury is not extreme, it is ‘worse than we thought’ and just ‘serious’ enough to keep him out for the rest of the term:
“Howe always maintained that the setback for Fraser is only a minor issue.
“But if we are calling into question whether he might be out for the season, that might mean it is actually a more serious grade two problem.
“In the grand scheme of things it isn’t too major but it is worse than we thought and enough to keep him out for a few weeks.
“But Newcastle are safe and don’t really have anything to play for. There is no need to take any chances with any player but particularly Fraser.
“His hamstring problems go back to the beginning of December. He’s had tightness and cramping.
“So it’s about addressing those problems and making sure he is fully ready when he does come back.”
Should Newcastle start Fraser?
Yes
No
The Verdict: Blow
It certainly is a blow to Howe and his squad if they are to lose Fraser for the rest of the season.
The winger has been a key part of a turnaround that has seen the St. James’ Park faithful steer clear of the relegation zone, contributing two goals and two assists in the top flight since February and being a mainstay in the side (Transfermarkt).
Nonetheless, they will no doubt want to finish the campaign strongly, but losing Fraser makes that more difficult, especially considering that they have to visit the reigning champions on Sunday afternoon.
In other news, find out who may now be sold by NUFC this summer here!
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