We hope we can still do one or two things, says Bruce
Steve Bruce has spoken about his decision to leave a number of players out of his Newcastle United squad.
Matt Ritchie, linked with a return to his former club AFC Bournemouth this month, was not involved in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton.
DeAndre Yedlin, set for a move to Galatasaray before tonight’s transfer deadline, was left out of the squad along with Sean Longstaff, who hasn’t featured since the club’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United.
Bruce instead named 18-year-old midfielder Elliot Anderson on his nine-man bench.
Asked if Ritchie had been left out ahead of a move, head coach Bruce said: “Not necessarily. I’ve had to leave five behind, which is always difficult. We have nearly got everyone fit, but the ones we haven’t got are centre-backs.
“We’ll see what develops – I think it could be a busy 48 hours for a few clubs.
“We hope that we can still do one or two things.”
The Everton result has stretched the gap between Newcastle and third-bottom Fulham to eight points ahead of Tuesday night’s home game against Crystal Palace.
“I haven’t turned it around now just because of one performance,” said Bruce, who was assisted by new coach Graeme Jones at
Goodison Park.
“There were little signs against (Aston) Villa in the second half – and against Leeds (United) the other night. I hope if, in time, we stay fit and healthy, we’ll be OK.
“We have seen two centre-halves (Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez) come out of Liverpool – and seen the difference. Thankfully, at the moment, we have a far healthier look about us on the pitch.”
Bruce’s side won 2-0 at Goodison Park thanks to two goals from Callum Wilson.
The win ended an 11-match run without a win for Bruce’s side.
Reflecting on the game, Wilson said: "I'm happy, but also frustrated.
"I'm delighted for everyone associated with the club and to get two goals too, but I should have had a hat-trick today. I'm disappointed on a personal note.”
Newcastle take on Crystal Palace at St James’s Park on Tuesday night. The club is 16th in the Premier League with 22 points.