Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is hopeful the injury to Ryan Fraser is not a long-term issue and that he should be back ‘sooner rather than later’, though he will miss this weekend’s game.
That is according to Newcastle correspondent Lee Ryder, who has taken to Twitter to provide an update following the 44-year-old’s latest press conference.
Will Fraser be a big miss?
Yes
No
Fraser was withdrawn in the Toon’s last outing in the Premier League, which saw them prevail as 1-0 victors against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And it is believed the hamstring injury sustained against Bruno Lage’s men will see the 28-year-old likely miss the game against Leicester City on Sunday.
With Howe providing an update following the results of Fraser’s scan, Ryder provided his thoughts on the Scotsman’s absence with just seven games remaining of the Magpies’ season.
He said: “Ryan Fraser, not so positive an update from Eddie Howe in terms of Sunday. Seemed to suggest that he could miss the game, but said that the scan that he’d had revealed he’s probably going to be back sooner rather than later.
“So positive news on that score, not so positive for Sunday given Ryan Fraser’s been a big part of Newcastle United’s turnaround in recent times, but that hamstring injury picked up against Wolves looks to have kept him on the sidelines for this particular fixture.”
TIF Thoughts on Ryder’s comments…
This will likely come to the relief of all involved on Tyneside given Fraser has found a new lease of life under Howe, with two goals and two assists since the turn of the year (via Transfermarkt). However, not having him on Sunday will leave a bit of a sour taste.
And with Miguel Almiron the likely candidate to replace him in his absence, the Toon are unlikely to be able to rely on the Paraguayan forward for his goal threat, as he still searches for his first of the season.
But with a 10-point gap to the relegation zone, there shouldn’t be a rush on the Scottish winger to hurry back as Howe’s men edge closer to sealing their Premier League safety.
In other news: George Caulkin reveals £9m-rated ace is ‘very popular’ in Newcastle dressing room