Newcastle United suffered injury, in addition to insult, during their 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Coventry City on Monday night. Summer signing Bazmouana Toure came on 59 minutes into brutal rout, but he was forced off early, after going to ground, due to an unspecified injury.
Matthias Jaissle said very little, in regards to the Toure injury situation, offering only: “Let’s see. It’s too early to say anything. Hopefully it’s nothing serious.”
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa FYIs
Kickoff: Sat. Oct. 17, 5:30pm, St. James Park, Newcastle, UK
Team News: Newcastle United Aston Villa
PL Form, Standings: Aston Villa 16th, 5 pts, LDLWD Newcastle United 11th 8 pts, WDLWL
Google Result Probability: Aston Villa win 32% Draw 26% Newcastle United win 42%
Team News
So consider Toure a doubt, at the very least, ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture. Meanwhile the Geordies could see two of their injury absentees return to action in this one, and both members of the injured duo are battling thigh injuries. Jacob Ramsey has returned to training, but he didn’t feature on Monday night. He should be available here.
As should forward Anthony Elanga, provided he passes a late fitness test of course. Obviously, the Newcastle injury list has gotten much shorter.
Meanwhile Ewen Jaouen (also a thigh injury) and Valentino Livramento (undisclosed) remain sidelined as longer-term injury absentees.
Other than that, the squad is fit.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.