INJURIES FORCE BRUCE TO CALL ON HIS GOAL-SHY TRIO

NEWCASTLE boss Steve Bruce is set to replace his sidelined front three with a trio who have just two Premier League goals between them this season after Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin joined Callum Wilson on the injured list. The Magpies are three points above the relegation zone but the head coach has earmarked winnable matches against West Brom, Aston Villa and Brighton in the coming weeks as key to them climbing clear of danger. And Bruce will now turn to Joelinton, Dwight Gayle and Ryan Fraser to lead their attack after news yesterday that Almiron and Saint-Maximin will be out until next month. That pair were injured during Saturday night’s 1-1 draw with Wolves and, in the case of Almiron, there were fears he could miss the remainder of the campaign with knee ligament damage. But he, like Saint-Maximin, who has an abductor strain, could return after this month’s international break. That will come as a relief for Bruce but there is no masking the blow of losing them for the period seen as crucial to their survival chances, especially as 10-goal top-scorer Wilson is still missing with a hamstring strain. Gayle will deputise as the main striker, although he has been badly out of favour in recent weeks and has started just one league game this season, scoring one goal. Club-record £40million forward Joelinton also has a solitary strike to his name, Fraser is yet to get off the mark and Bruce suggested last week that the winger was unhappy at St James’ Park.