- Achilles issue sidelines key midfielder
- No return date given as Newcastle look for solutions
- Howe’s depleted side secure another home win
Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, expressed deep disappointment as midfielder Joe Willock suffered a recurrence of his Achilles injury, ruling him out of crucial matches, including the recent 4-1 victory against Chelsea and the upcoming Champions League clash with Paris St-Germain. How will Willock’s injury affect your Magpies wagers?
Check out the best Premier League betting sites in the UK with Betting.com.
Willock injury further stretches Newcastle squad
Willock’s absence adds to Newcastle’s injury woes, with 12 players already sidelined. The squad, already stretched thin, will be further weakened in the Champions League as Emil Krafth and Matt Ritchie are not registered for European competitions.
Addressing the media, Howe revealed the uncertainty surrounding Willock’s return date and the need for specialist advice. The manager, visibly disheartened, admitted to never experiencing such an injury crisis in his career.
Despite the challenges, Newcastle continues to defy the odds on the field. In the Chelsea match, second-half goals from Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton, and Anthony Gordon secured a resounding victory. Fit-again Alexander Isak opened the scoring, and despite Raheem Sterling’s equaliser, Newcastle capitalised on defensive errors to seal the win.
Willock’s mood was described as understandably down, but Howe noted his calm and rational demeanour. The club is committed to exploring all avenues to expedite Willock’s return to action.
The victory against Chelsea keeps Newcastle in contention for European places, showcasing the team’s resilience amidst the ongoing injury crisis. The situation underscores the managerial challenges faced by Howe as he navigates a squad depleted by injuries on multiple fronts.
Betting Implications
Aside from the defeat at Bournemouth Newcastle continue to pick up league points despite their injury crisis. However, progress in the Champions League could be a bridge too far. Two losses to Borussia Dortmund means that United travel to Paris knowing that, realistically, they need a win in the Parc des Princes. They will do so with a hugely depleted squad. Howe will also be, understandably, cautious about how many minutes he gives Isak after the Swedish international’s return from injury.
At the time of writing BetUK have Newcastle as 8/5 fifth favourites to make the top four. Most bookies expect them to qualify for some form of European competition despite the lengthy injury list.
For the PSG match the bookies are expecting the French side to have too much for Newcastle in Paris. The odds on an away win have no doubt lengthened along with the queue to the treatment room at the club’s Benton training ground. At the time of writing, bet365 have Newcastle priced at 17/4 with a draw 3/1 and a win for PSG 8/13.
Bettors need to monitor how long Willock will be absent for and how his and other absences affect performances. A look at the fixtures, results and performances leading up to the international break are a good indication of how Newcastle seem able to cope well until fatigue, inevitably, bites.
Check out the best Champions League betting sites and the UK’s best football online betting sites with Betting.com. For all of the info you need ahead of making your picks for PSG vs Newcastle check out our preview.
