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Andy Carroll might not start until 2020

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Newcastle striker Andy Carroll might not start a game until 2020, according to the Telegraph

The report claims that Newcastle medical staff think the earliest that he could start after rehabilitation on an ankle injury is after Christmas.

Chances of a start ahead of this time have been put at “extremely slim” and that’s a major blow to Newcastle who are struggling for goals.

The report does say that he could be used sparingly in cameo performances between now and Christmas, after he came on to a standing ovation from the home fans for the last eight minutes in the game against Brighton on Saturday.

Better news came in the same report with news that midfielder Sean Longstaff will be fit to play Leicester on Sunday.

Bruce need goals

Steve Bruce has a problem at Newcastle. Newcastle have only scored four goals in six games – only two other teams in the Premier League have scored as few – and they haven’t scored more than one goal in any game.

That’s left them teetering just above the relegation zone after a dour 0-0 draw with Brighton at St James’ Park, that saw the away side dominate with 72% of possession. [SofaScore]

Main striker Joelinton has only scored one goal and Miguel Almiron hasn’t scored since he arrived in January.

Joelinton’s xG is 1.39 [WyScout] and he has only hit the target with 25% of his 12 shots this season.

Almiron’s xG is 0.93 but like Joelinton has hit the target with just 25% of his eight shots.

Carroll offers a level of physicality and directness that saw him score 17 in 34 games for West Ham and 21 in 33 games in his first Newcastle stint.

He’s scored goals wherever he’s been when fit. That’s the big problem though.

Newcastle knew the risk they were taking when they signed him on a free this summer but would have been hoping that he could have started before next year.

The news that he might not start until 2020 surely increases the possibility of Newcastle trying to strengthen in the January window, but Almiron and Joelinton cost over £60m and that’s a huge amount of money for just one goal.

Dwight Gayle is nearing a return but he’s never been able to deliver in the top-flight as he has in the Championship.

It’s a headache for Bruce, which has potentially just got that bit worse.

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