Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Downie says Jonjo Shelvey could return before World Cup

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Image for Newcastle United: Downie says Jonjo Shelvey could return before World Cup

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey returned to Eddie Howe’s side before the break for the World Cup in November.

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest news from St. James’ Park during the international break.

After suffering a calf injury in a pre-season fixture at Benfica, club medics had initially suggested that the 30-year-old could be facing up to 12 weeks on the sidelines, which would effectively mean he would not return to Eddie Howe’s starting line-up until after the World Cup.

However, in the last week Howe has revealed that the former Liverpool midfielder is “out on the grass” and running and that a return hopefully “won’t be too long”

And Downie wouldn’t be shocked to see Shelvey return to the Newcastle side before the World Cup

“I have to say if I think back to previous injuries he’s had over the years at his time in Newcastle, he has been quite a quick healer. 

“So, I wouldn’t be surprised if he does get back before the World Cup. 

“You have to remember he was named in the 25-man Premier League squad by Howe.

“He wasn’t going to do that if he had no chance of playing before Christmas.

“Emile Krafth has been left out of that.

“So, there’s obviously a feeling, there’s a thought there in Howe’s mind that he might get back earlier.”

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TIF Thoughts on Downie’s comments

We think that Newcastle fans would be delighted to have Shelvey back before the World Cup, giving Howe an extra option in the middle of the park.

Since the former Bournemouth manager took charge of the side, the six-time England international has made 20 appearances for the Magpies, suggesting that he is thought of as a key member of the side by his manager.

Therefore, we think that Howe would be absolutely delighted if he could squeeze some games out of Shelvey before the World Cup break, to ease him into a full throttle Premier League schedule once the league resumes.

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