Our Spanish U21 star Mikel Merino has revealed he is still recovering from his back injury and is still not 100% fit.
That explains why he hasn’t played in the Newcastle first team too much of late as Rafa wants to give him time for his back to fully heal.
A fit Mikel Merino as we have seen – is a very good player for us – and he says he’s almost at 100% again physically.
Mikel also says it’s the worst injury he has had in his (short) career so far.
Mikel Merino – in action against Arsenal – 100% fit soon
This is what Mikel has said about his injury as reported in the Chronicle:
“I’ve had a lot of injuries during my career. The back, I think, is the worst one, because it affects a lot.”
“You cannot turn. You cannot sprint. You cannot jump. These are the things you cannot do.
“Sometimes it’s hard to play with these kind of injuries, because you feel like you can do 100% but you’re doing 50%, and nobody knows it.”
“It’s hard, but you have to carry on. A lot of players play with injuries and it’s part of the sport. I deal with it.”
“I had a lot of problems during the season with small injuries. The back injury, which I still have a little bit, is improving.”
“I feel much better. I’m almost at 100% physically. I’m feeling good in training. I feel I’m at a good level.”
“I’m happy to see myself play with my team-mates and my level in training.”
“I hope in a few weeks I don’t have any problems and will be 100%.
“The manager and all the team-mates and the staff are always trying to help me by giving advice or giving encouragement.”
“It helps to have a good environment.”
The good news is the games are now spread out and so Mikel should be able to get 100% fit very soon and within a few games.
And when he is fit he proved in the early part of the season that he can be a game changer for Newcastle.
Merino cost us around £6M from Borussia Dortmund and that was a terrific acquisition for the club.
He is another player who can help us survive in the Premier League this season.
And he’s a smashing young lad with a great temperament.
Comments welcome.
13 comments so far
martoon
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:12 AM
Comment #1I’ve suspected as much for a while now – he is not quite the player he was when he first started playing for us. A niggling back injury would explain it.
Jib
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:13 AM
Comment #2I am no fan of Ashley and want him gone.
However he did say (through his lawyer)
in October – if there is no sale in place
at year end , I will make funds available for
Rafa in the January window.
There are a lot of people in denial
but
he seems to be keeping his word.
Frank pingles come sock
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:14 AM
Comment #3No chance of breaking our club transfer fee
Nothing will happen apart from loans
Frank pingles come sock
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:15 AM
Comment #41 more loan for a striker
6/7 on a keeper or left back
Sell someone to cover the cost
Goodbye
Frank pingles come sock
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:15 AM
Comment #56/7 Million (I meant )
Frank pingles come sock
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:16 AM
Comment #6Please please please don’t think Ashley will spend big he’s a born liar and keeping us ripe to sell
Suckers
hibbit
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:21 AM
Comment #7Frank
behave yourself don’t you think the vast majority of us know that.
posters are only expressing their opinions on the players linked
toonarmydownsouth
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:25 AM
Comment #8Jib
Sorry have i missed summit?
We’re 23 days into the window and about to sign a utility LB/LW on a short term loan deal that’s taken 12 months to tie up
How is MA keeping his word exactly?
Optimistic Panda
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:29 AM
Comment #920 million pound striker?
Fat Ronaldo?
I’m guessing Kennedy is to play in a front 3, not sure who’s going to be the tip of the spear but I like the idea of Kennedy one side Murphy the other pace and trickery.
Jib
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:37 AM
Comment #10toonarmydownsouth
I said “seems to be”
when the window shuts
and nothing has materialised
then whine and whinge with
my full backing.
toonarmydownsouth
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:47 AM
Comment #11Jib
After 10 years I’d rather be pessimistic and pleasantly surprised than go through the tired old Ashley era routine of optimism and disappointment
Frank pingles come sock
Jan 23, 2018 at 9:52 AM
Comment #12Hibbit – my post wasnt aimed at the vast majority
It’s aimed at the 3%
Also it’s just my opinion , if I am wrong then I will eat humble pie whilst celebrating the fact we have signed 1 permanent player in a window in which we didn’t need If we had been backed in the summer.
Ohhhh I hope it’s sturridge , ohhhh I hope it’s Neebid Man from F.C. Genk
ArtyH
Jan 23, 2018 at 1:26 PM
Comment #13IMHO the time to offer the money was before Mash went on his hols especially when he knew the take over was dead in the water. Everything else is smoke and mirrors, thing is all Rafa’s top targets are now not available, he is again left with ” what’s left ” ie another Hoss, and some try and make Mash look good? How does that work for you? Again the fans and Rafa deceived and some try and cover for the owner, ” won’t get fooled again “, how many times are we expected to fall for this and think it is acceptable?
Again we are in the bargain bucket department with our britchy arses hanging out looking for a unicorn to sell on for a profit or to keep the team up, its gone on far too long, action is needed to end this cruel tenure of ownership.