Injury problems are mounting for Newcastle but Cheick Tiote, who has been out since the first game of the season against Tottenham, seems to have a good chance to be back for our next game at Everton a week on Monday.
Cheick Tiote – in action against Spurs
Ryan Taylor is presumably out at least six months with his serious ACL injury, and it seems that Danny Simpson will miss three to four weeks with his hamstring, and we don’t really know had badly Coloccini is injured, with the hamstring problem he picked up when training with the Argentine squad.
The 26 year-old Ivory Coast International midfielder picked up a calf problem very early in the game against Tottenham on August 18th, but has never played since then, and in retrospect Cheick should have come off in that game, and not try to play through the pain – as he did.
Alan Pardew thinks one of the missing links in Newcastle performances recently has been Cheick, who adds some energy in the middle of the park for Newcastle.
This is what the 31 times capped Ivorian told the he told the club’s official website:
“I’m trying my best to be fit for the Everton game but it’s important to be back 100 per cent.” “It’s hard to watch the games and not be able to be on the pitch to help the team to win the game. It’s difficult for me.”
“We lost against Chelsea and we drew against Aston Villa, and I think it was difficult for the team because we expected to win the last game and we didn’t win.” “So we’ve got a tough game against Everton and we have to do everything to get a good result at Everton.”
“It was a great start for me and I hope I will do the same this time and that we can win the game.” “I’ve enjoyed my two years here so far and I hope I continue to do that.”
Tiote is referring in that last paragraph about making his debut at Everton two years ago at Goodison in the 1-0 win, after signing from FC Twente for about £3.5M, and he’s been a huge success at Newcastle since then, and a bargain buy for the club.
He’s one player that Chief Scout Graham Carr scouted for a few years before he signed on at Newcastle, and we just have to hope Graham has a few “unkowns’ lined up for Newcastle over the next twelve months or so – especially some defenders and strikers.
We really hope Cheick can return for the Everton game, and if he does, we think we’ll see Vurnon Anita continue at right back in place of the injured Danny Simpson, but if Cheick cannot play we suppose we’ll see 18 year-old midfielder Gael Bigirimana in the holding position at Everton, although that’s a lot to ask of someone so young.
What do you think?
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7 comments so far
BarcelonaMag
Sep 7, 2012 at 9:22 AM
Comment #1We’ve certainly missed Cheick. Neither Anita nor Bigirimana have the same toughness. Am I first?
cupiddstunt
Sep 7, 2012 at 9:25 AM
Comment #2Now that could be a very good thing indeed
jesperfuglsang
Sep 7, 2012 at 9:26 AM
Comment #3Yes you are first!
It would be good to have Tiote back – maybe we’ll switch back to 4-3-3 then 🙂 here’s to hoping!
G
Sep 7, 2012 at 9:30 AM
Comment #4He is needed, the lads that have stepped in his place haven’t disgraced themselves, but CT cranks it up to 11.
Szarka
Sep 7, 2012 at 9:33 AM
Comment #5At least, Perch cant be in three places at once 🙂
So Anita RB, Perch CB and Tiote as CDM.
jawballsaswallwell
Sep 7, 2012 at 9:46 AM
Comment #6Tiote is an imperative.
89Norcal
Sep 7, 2012 at 6:25 PM
Comment #7I agree with BarcelonaMag, Anita is class and has great technical ability but Tiote is better suited as our defensive mid in the EPL.
I think Anita should be switched to a full back position, have him push forward to make a good run or cross and we know he has the speed to track back.