Pair not a Long way off being fit
The Longstaff brothers are there or thereabouts.We hope that maybe after the weekend they can be involved.
Steve Bruce
STEVE Bruce is hopeful Sean and Matty Longstaff will still be able to play some part in Newcastle United’s season.
Both have been ruled out of the home clash with Sheffield United with what Bruce described as “niggly” injuries.
However, with the games coming thick and fast and a midweek fixture with Aston Villa closely followed by the FA Cup tie with Manchester City, the Toon boss is optimistic about their chances.
Both of the brothers picked up the knocks in training after returning from lockdown.
Bruce said: “The Longstaff brothers are there or thereabouts.
“We hope maybe after the weekend they can be involved.
“There is a slight doubt about
Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle has a knock on his knee.
“There are one or two niggles which you are going to get.
“The one thing you have to expect in the next week is injuries because we have just seen it in the Bundesliga.
“They are the best-prepared teams and they have had an increase of 250% or something in injuries, which is ridiculous.”
United will face Sheff United with Jonjo Shelvey and Nabil Bentaleb in line for starting places in midfield – while Isaac Hayden is also in contention.
Bruce knows it will be a tough game, saying: “It is outstanding what Sheffield United done.
“They have a wonderful spirit and there is a core of them who have played at the club for the last two or three years.
“You cannot help but admire them and even the other night they should have won at Villa.
“It was a ridiculous situation their ‘goal’ was not awarded.
“I have nothing but high praise for what Chris Wilder has achieved. “We could not have wished for a more difficult game but we have beaten them before so let’s hope we can do it again at St James’ Park.”