Ritchie could miss key clash due to injury
NEWCASTLE have received a double fitness boost ahead of today’s crucial game at Leeds - but Matt Ritchie is struggling with a knee injury.
Forgotten men Dwight Gayle and Jeff Hendrick, both of whom have rarely played since Eddie Howe arrived, have returned to training and could play at Elland Road.
Gayle’s return is particularly timely with star man Callum Wilson out and new £25million signing Chris Wood currently the only other senior centre-forward on the club’s books.
Hendrick scored for the Magpies in their 5-2 defeat in the same fixture last season and offers another option in midfield.
However, former Scotland winger Ritchie is touch-and-go and Howe said yesterday medical staff will assess him before today’s 3.00 kick-off.
The Magpies’ boss also confirmed Wilson, Federico Fernandez and Isaac Hayden will be unavailable due to their respective injuries.
Newcastle go into today’s game with just one win in 22 matches in all competitions this season, while Leeds have enjoyed an upturn in form recently.
Marcelo Bielsa’s injury-ravaged squad recorded a surprise 3-2 win at West Ham last weekend and have the pace and intensity to cause United problems.
Howe said of the Whites: “I think they have a way of playing and they follow that.
“There is a lot to admire about Leeds’ out-of-possession work. It is really intriguing.
“They play with high intensity and we have to match that.
“With the ball, they have their set patterns and way of playing and it is very, very effective.
“This is an unique game - there is no other fixture like Leeds in the Premier League – and we have to be ready for what we are going to face.”