Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has dealt an injury blow ahead of the Magpies’ away trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, the former Villa boss said (via The Shields Gazette) with regards to Paul Dummett that ‘he’s not fit’ for the clash after he played the full 120 minutes versus Arsenal in their eventual 2-0 away loss in the FA Cup third round. The Wales international also notched up 74 minutes three days later in their 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United in the top flight.
[freshpress-poll id=”298790″]
Perhaps he was rushed back too early given that he had only played in one other senior game in the 2020/21 term after various troubles with injury, and now he will not be able to play any part against Dean Smith’s team in what is a blow to the St. James’ Park faithful.
Dummett injury blow for Newcastle
Given the Tyneside club have lost four out of their last five matches in the PL, drawing the other (BBC Sport), Bruce’s team need to find a way to concede fewer goals while also being a threat at the attacking end of the pitch.
[freshpress-quiz id=”336603″]
Dummett is more defensively solid than Jamal Lewis, as in the 2019/20 Premier League season, the 29-year-old averaged more interceptions, clearances and blocks than the then Norwich City left-back (Whoscored).
Against an Aston Villa side who are currently the eighth-highest scorers in the top flight, having played fewer games than any other team, his added defensive experience may have proved useful.
In other news, find out what update Ben Jacobs has dropped on a potential takeover issue here!
