Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to be booked by the return of Joe Willock from his recent bout of illness for the game against Leicester City.
This is according to the reliable journalist for the Toon, Lee Ryder, who was speaking on a video posted to Twitter following Howe’s latest press conference.
Would you start Joe Willock against Leicester?
Yes
No
Willock has been out of action for the past two Premier League games after a recent run in the Magpies’ starting XI had seen the midfielder find the back of the net twice (via Transfermarkt).
The youngster has failed to live up to the extraordinarily high standards he set for himself last season during his loan spell with a stunning run of form in the backend of the 2020/21 campaign.
However, he has shown in recent weeks some signs of finding his goalscoring form with two goals in consecutive games in February against Brentford and West Ham United.
But with another big game upcoming against a Leicester City side who played European football on Thursday evening, Ryder had the following injury update to provide:
“Eddie Howe faced the media this morning [Friday] to preview the Easter Sunday game against Leicester and give us an update on who could be available for the game. Joe Willock’s coming back after shaking off an illness that he’d picked up in recent times,” said Ryder.
TIF Thoughts on Ryder’s comments…
The illness certainly came at a bad time for Willock with the 22-year-old having nailed down a spot in Howe’s midfield which has now been taken by Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle’s big January signing had been eased into life on Tyneside with most of his appearances coming from the bench, however, Willock’s absence saw the Brazilian fast-tracked into the XI.
And now Guimaraes has established himself with some really impressive displays, we do wonder where Willock’s spot in the side will lie with Howe’s midfield looking pretty much set amid the Premier League run-in.
In other news: George Caulkin reveals £9m-rated ace is ‘very popular’ in Newcastle dressing room