MAGS’ JANMAAT BLOW
NEWCASTLE DEFENDER OUT FOR SWANS CLASH AND DOUBTFUL FOR RELEGATION RUN-IN
Daryl Janmaat is out of Newcastle United’s home game against Swansea City on Saturday – and doubtful for the Magpies’ relegation run-in.
The defender suffered a broke two fingers punching the dressing room wall at Southampton last weekend.
Sources in Holland have claimed that Janmaat has had surgery on his fractured fingers.
Janmaat – who lashed out in frustration at St Mary’s after a heated dressing-room exchange – has already been ruled out against the Swans, and there are fears the problem will keep out for several weeks.
Janmaat – who signalled to come off with a groin problem at Southampton after slipping in the build-up to the hosts’ second goal – will need to protect his fractured hand should he play, though the Holland international would not be able to play with a full cast.
Manager Rafa Benitez is desperate to have the experienced 26-year-old available for the final few games of the Premier League campaign, with the Tynesiders second-bottom in the table, six points adrift of safety with six games to play.
Vurnon Anita is on standby to play at right-back against Swansea.
Captain Fabricio Coloccini (calf ) remains sidelined, though midfielder Jack Colback will be back from a two-game suspension and fit-again defender Paul Dummett could start against Swansea.
Defender Steven Taylor is also injured, with Benitez considering changes in the wake of the 3-1 Southampton defeat.