Newcastle have been absolutely flying thus far this season and it’s largely thanks to striker Demba Ba and midfield maestro Yohan Cabaye. Thus the news that both players are injury doubts will likely cause Newcastle fans some trepidation. Cabaye picked up an ankle injury whilst on International duty for France. The extent of the injury hasn’t been made clear, yet French coach Raymond Blanc is said to be hoping that he’ll be back in time for France’s game against Bosnia on Tuesday.
However L’Equipe have suggested that Cabaye may have picked up possible ankle ligament damage which could see him left out longer. At the time of writing the extent of the injury and the length of time he may be sidelined has yet to be determined. One thing’s for sure, Newcastle fans will want to see him back as soon as possible. He has become a damn near essential part of their midfield.
Of course, I may be fretting about nothing and both players could be fighting fit in time for Newcastle’s next game, but given that Ba and Cabaye are both injury doubts, there’s every chance that the club could struggle should they not be ready. They have been the standout performers of Newcastle’s season thus far and have been at the heart of almost everything that’s gone right for the club.
If they don’t make it back in time Newcastle will be forced to prove that they have enough strength in depth to survive this test. If Cabaye is injured it’s likely that Pardew will call on Danny Guthrie or Dan Gosling to fill the void. In my opinion Ben Arfa just isn’t suited to that position and if forced to choose between Guthrie and Gosling, I’d go for Guthrie. That’s simply because he’s a similar kind of player to Cabaye, whilst Gosling shares similarities with Cheick Tiote.
Of course, I’m not the manager so it’ll be interesting to see who Pardew picks. As for the striking position, even if Ba doesn’t make it Leon Best is still in form and hopefully will be able to pick up some of the goal-scoring burden.
As the season grows in length and injuries start to pile up Newcastle’s real test will begin. If the club can prove capable of getting results during these tougher times, then who knows what they’ll be capable of this season?
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not rocket science but if ba is out ben arfa will sit behind best in a free roll he love that
Bit of the old hyperbole suggesting Ba has been our stand out performer – excellent in the past two games maybe, whereas Colo, Krul and Jonas have been excellent in every game they’ve played.
Guthrie is wrst player toon have
The media would be creaming over this news; they have been plotting this since Newcastle’s good start, by bigging them up then waiting for their downfall so they can have field day on it.
As for the potential struggling, if we look on the bright side, Newcastle still have two hungry players in Ben Arfa and Marveaux, not to mention the young Abeid is also waiting in the wings. So all is not doom and gloom. Though, it may seem those players are not quite defensive minded, so Pardew may be forced to adapt to a more attacking formation.
It will be a serious test for Pardew if Cabaye’s injury is a long term one. Everyone will be curious with his new tactics without Cabaye, who has starred in the midfield so far. But then, maybe Pardew is able to perform another miracle? Who knows…
As good as cabaye and ba are, it will be pretty impossible for them to play every game in the premiership anyway, there is going to be games when they are missing, it just means the players coming in have to step up to the plate and grab their chances, Ben arfa behind best, rather see gosling than Guthrie any day of the week. Competition for places could really start to hot up. Just so long as the injuries aren’t serious.
Bang on hotdog!
The media yet again trying to manu-facture a anti-Toon story/stance.
Dull as ditch watta!
You’ve used the word “thus” three times- two of which were in quick succession. This sort of repetition is poor.
Sorry, so whats wrong with Ba?
Just that you made no mention of it in the article
Haris Vuckic also a possible replacement for Cabaye. Strong, good on the ball and good passing.
Absolute rubbish. As long as Cabaye doesn’t aggravate the knock on Tuesday he’ll start against Spurs. Haven’t heard much about Ba. And what’s it got to do with French Chef Raymond Blanc anyway? I’d prefer to hear from Laurent personally
Who ever Newcastle put out doesn’t matter, Spurs are far superior and will blow them out the water whether these 2 start or not.
I would prefer they did so Newcastle make no excuses, Modric is superior to Cabaye, Sandro is superior to Tiote, Bale is superior to Ben Arfa, VDVaart is superior to Jonas, King is superior to Collocini and Adebayor is superior to Ba.
Anyone who says any different is not living in the real world
Who’s sandra, girls aren’t allowed to play prem league football yet.
Ben Arfa won’t be up against bale, though if he is, he’ll smear him. Jonas could ‘walk’ (literally) past vdv. king will be up against Ba or Best & his knees.
Tiote will crush modric & sandra together.
adebayor will have to get past Krul.
The real world skirts around tottingham, FACT!
🙂