Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has talked up the prospect of Joe Willock stepping in as an emergency left winger this weekend at Manchester City – if Anthony Gordon is not passed fit.
Gordon missed the 3-2 victory over Birmingham City in the FA Cup due to a quad muscle injury and it remains to be seen whether he is fit for the clash at the Etihad Stadium. The Magpies currently have Harvey Barnes on the injury list while Miguel Almiron has moved on to Atlanta United, reducing United’s wing options.
But Willock, who netted twice against the Blues, was a more than able deputy to Gordon. It was a performance that left Howe absolutely delighted with the ex-Arsenal man.
Howe told Chronicle Live: “It was interesting to see him there. With Anthony’s injury, we played Joe in his position as a wide-left player. I thought he did really well. I think he’s got the running capacity to play in that position. It’s different to playing infield, but he’s got the pace to take players on and engage in those one-on-one actions.”
Willock’s season has been a stop-start affair with muscle injuries interrupting his chances of regular starts. After shaking off last season’s hamstring and achilles problems, he has made just six Premier League starts this term. And while it is a tough gig to get into Newcastle’s midfield, given the form of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali recently, he may have to look further up the pitch.
Newcastle chief Howe said: “He’s also then got the technique to come into pockets, and come inside and shoot on his right foot. I thought he looked a threat throughout the game. The beauty of Joe when he does play inside, as a midfielder, is that he drifts wide a lot anyway. So I think he’s really comfortable in those wide areas.”
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-sweating-over-anthony-30981639
