Journalist Craig Hope has insisted that Newcastle United’s game this weekend will come too early for Jonjo Shelvey to make his return.
Shelvey is currently well ahead of schedule to make his return from injury before the mid-season break in the Premier League – something that wasn’t necessarily expected when he pulled his hamstring during a pre-season friendly.
The midfielder is now said to be back out on the grass and making huge strides in his bid to earn a starting spot under Eddie Howe once again, although this weekend’s game against Brentford is likely going to come too soon for him, according to Hope.
While speaking on the True Faith podcast, he said: “Shelvey was the one who I was given a really positive update on. Now, at the start of August, he was going to be out for 12 weeks – that was again a story we broke which was confirmed by Eddie Howe – which would have taken him to the back end of October going into November.
“Now, as it is, I think we’re going to see Jonjo back before then. I think Saturday might be too soon, but you’re perhaps going to see him back two weeks ahead of schedule. Jonjo’s close, really close to a return.”
When fit, should Shelvey start for Newcastle?
Yes!
No!
TIF Thoughts on Shelvey’s return…
It will be a huge lift for the team and Howe to have someone of Shelvey’s experience and ability back in first-team action, especially given how trusted he seemingly is under the manager, with the midfielder starting all but seven games last season under Howe.
However, given that Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are all likely to be fit for this weekend’s home game, there is no reason to rush him back, and giving him an extra week or two would be a sensible decision.
It’s a testament to Shelvey and his desire to get back playing for Newcastle that he is this far ahead of schedule, which may also be down to the fact he’s just a handful of games away from triggering a contract extension, which will be massive for him considering his current deal expires next summer.