Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Dinnery claims Targett could return this weekend after hamstring issue

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Newcastle United’s Matt Targett could return to the side this weekend after the wing-back picked up a hamstring injury at the beginning of the season, according to injury specialist Ben Dinnery, who contributes for Sky Sports

The Magpies have started the season strongly under manager Eddie Howe and are currently unbeaten in their opening two games. Despite this, they have dealt with a number of injury issues to key players.

One of these is summer signing Targett, who sustained a hamstring injury during their opening game with Nottingham Forest. However, it would appear that the defender could be set to return as soon as this weekend.

Dinnery told the Premier FPL Injuries YouTube channel: “Matt Targett took a heavy knock against Forest in that opener, that was a kick to the hamstring. Originally thought that it was just maybe a dead leg, imaging revealed that there was a tiny little bit of damage to that hamstring muscle.

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“So again, Eddie Howe didn’t want to take any chances with that, kept him out of that travelling squad, and hopefully, the strong likelihood that he will be back in Gameweek three.”

TIF Thoughts on Targett’s injury…

Locking down a mainstay starter at the left-back position has been one of the bigger problems for Newcastle, as aside from Targett, they only have the likes of Jamal Lewis, Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett – all of whom have not shown the same capabilities as Targett.

The Magpies will welcome him back, with Targett ranking in the 81st percentile for aerial duels won, 79th for progressive passes, and 74th for interceptions over the past year, while he managed an incredible three tackles and three key passes in their opening game.

Targett ranks first in both categories for the Magpies and therefore getting him back as soon as possible could be key for their ambitions of not only breaking into the top half of the Premier League, but pushing for a European spot this season.

Will Targett return this weekend?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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