Pundit makes ‘weird’ Fernandez claim after crushing Newcastle blow
Newcastle have been told to be careful with Federico Fernandez so he is fit to play three “winnable” games in January.
Former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims the defender has picked the ideal time to get injured.
On Wednesday (15 December) Eddie Howe revealed Fernandez, 32, will miss the majority of Newcastle’s festive fixtures.
This includes games against Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton.
The Argentine has made seven appearances for Newcastle this season with a large portion of fans demanding he plays more football.
Kenny claims Newcastle can hand themselves a “huge boost” by making sure Fernandez is ready to start in January.
“You want your best players available all the time, it’s gutting for Newcastle,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Fernandez will want to play in those big games against the likes of Man City and Man United.
“But if Newcastle can look after him and get him ready for January then that would be a huge boost.
“Newcastle’s January is Southampton, Watford and Leeds. They are winnable games.
“Those are the games you need your best players available for. I’m sure that’s the aim for Eddie Howe.
“This might sound weird to say but if there was ever a time to get injured, it’s in the games Newcastle have no chance of winning.
Fernandez has made 89 appearances for the Mags since joining from Swansea in 2018.
He has also scored two goals for the club.
In other news, Newcastle United have made a landmark move ahead of the January transfer window.