Joe Willock facing extended spell out of Newcastle United XI after development – Campbell
Joe Willock may face an extended spell out of the Newcastle United starting XI amid the form of Bruno Guimaraes.
That is the view of former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Willock’s absence at St. James’ Park on Friday.
Willock missed the 1-0 win over Wolves with a knee injury.
Guimaraes replaced the ex-Arsenal midfielder in the starting XI and justified his selection with a man of the match performance.
The centre-midfielder boasted 12 duels won, four tackles, seven recoveries and 90 per cent pass accuracy over the course of the 90 minutes. [StatZone]
When asked if Willock would struggle to regain his starting spot, Campbell told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “You don’t change a winning side.
“Eddie Howe likes Willock. I think he likes what be brings to the team with his energy and his goalscoring.
“But Bruno Guimaraes is a top player. They spent a lot of money on him. They wanted to ease him in to life in the Premier League but he has shown that he is ready. He really is a top player.
“Willock may struggle to get back in. It will depend on what formation they want to play. It is great to see Guimaraes doing so well.”
Speaking on Willock’s injury, Howe told the Chronicle (9 April): “We don’t think he’ll be out long-term.
“We think it won’t be long before he’s back in contention to play, but until he’s back, you can never say never.
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