The Chronicle

Atsu’s Ghana be OK after injury scare

- By CHRIS WAUGH chris.waugh@trinitymir­ror.com @ChrisDMWau­gh

Sports Writer NEWCASTLE United winger Christian Atsu has allayed fears about the severity of the knock he sustained at the weekend after linking up with Ghana.

The 25-year-old was forced off in the 82nd minute of the Magpies’ 1-0 defeat at home to AFC Bournemout­h on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez explained after the match that the winger “felt something” in his leg, suggesting a potential muscle strain, yet Atsu has joined up with the Ghana squad ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

Atsu pulled out of internatio­nal duty last month, having injured flown out to Ghana, due to a knee injury which is currently being managed, however.

Yet the Ghana FA appears optimistic that Atsu will play against Egypt on Sunday.

A tweet from the associatio­n yesterday morning read: “@NUFC star @ChristianA­tsu20 has arrived in #Ghana for Sunday’s #WorldCup qualifier against #Egypt.

“He joins #BlackStars this morning.” The news that Atsu

who joined Newcastle permanentl­y in the summer following a successful season-long loan from Chelsea last term, has joined up with the Ghana squad will be welcomed on Tyneside.

Now Magpies supporters will eagerly await an update on Jamaal Lascelles’ fitness, given that the Newcastle captain left the St James’ Park pitch in obvious discomfort on Saturday.

He departed the ground with a protective boot around his ankle and walking on crutches and was due to have a scan on Monday, but so far no prognosis has been offered.

Newcastle travel to second-placed Manchester United a week on Saturday, with the Magpies determined to improve on the form which has seen them record just one victory in six games.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom