Steve Bruce has given his press conference this morning, and it looks like there’s a good chance Joelinton will be available for the FA Cup replay against Rochdale.
It was earlier reported that Bruce may hold the Brazilian back due to a groin injury.
Here is a tweet from the Chronicle’s Ciaran Kelly with Bruce’s comments about Newcastle’s number nine.
On Joelinton: "The No.9 jersey on Joe is wearing a bit heavy, we all understand that," Bruce said. "It's an opportunity for him. I'm hoping he is going to declare himself fit this morning and hopefully get off the mark and up and running and maybe it's the ideal game for him."
— Ciaran Kelly (@CiaranKelly__) January 13, 2020
Joelinton has been struggling with a groin injury over the past few weeks, according to Steve Bruce. It looked as if his day was going to end like Paul Dummett’s and Dwight Gayle’s on Saturday at Wolves with a first-half exit.
However, the 23-year-old stayed in the game and soldiered on before being replaced by Andy Carroll in the 78th minute. Steve Bruce was impressed with Joelinton’s perseverance to stay in the game.
This is what Bruce said after the draw on Saturday about his striker:
“I do believe Joe is genuine. He’s going through a tough period, there’s no question about that, and that horrible word confidence for a striker is there for everyone to see.
“He battled on today, which I won’t forget, but he was obviously nowhere near fit.”
While we admire Joelinton’s fortitude to keep playing through his injury, Bruce is playing with fire here. It may be best to keep Joelinton out of replay tomorrow. If he’s not fit, why risk him?
Bruce could be hoping that Joelinton will get a goal against the League One team at home which, in turn, could spark his confidence. However, that’s a double-edged sword as the game at Rochdale had the opposite effect. If he’s hobbled, that’s also going to affect his play.
Bruce, however, is bound and determined to field as strong a side as possible. It’s almost as if he feels he has a point to prove by fielding only senior players.
This is a welcomed stance considering the history of the Ashley era. However, Bruce needs to balance this approach with what is best for the squad.
Here are some of Bruce’s comments on the importance of the FA Cup.
SB on the FA Cup: “For too many years we haven’t had any cup run at all. It doesn’t do any harm. We’ve got two League One teams to be in the Fifth Round so let’s go for it.” pic.twitter.com/D9ascjE54Q
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 13, 2020
It’s great that Bruce is trying to change the attitude to the cups at Newcastle. However, he needs to tread lightly, and if there are only U23 players fit at a particular position – then so be it.
What Will Be The Result Of FA Cup Replay Against Rochdale?
- Win (80%, 1,306 )
- Loss (17%, 275 )
- Draw (3%, 54 )
Total Voters: 1,635
8 comments so far
stan anderson
Jan 13, 2020 at 11:15 AM
Comment #1Looks like the majority are willing to accept that it’s better to chance a defeat against Rochdale,rather than try to win something.
So sad that people only want what AshLie wants,to not get relegated.
So we stay up this season nothing will change next season,just more cash in the slugs account eh.
onmeedsun
Jan 13, 2020 at 11:23 AM
Comment #2I like the fact that Bruce wants to field his strongest team in the cups. This is how it should always be, irrespective of league position as you never know if the draw could open up if you’re always knocked out in the 3rd round. It also sends the right message to the players. Only the next game is important! And although he does make reference to injuries, I don’t think he’s using them as an excuse. This is also critical as managers have to be careful not to give players an excuse to lose before the match kicks off.
RobLeenio
Jan 13, 2020 at 11:25 AM
Comment #3MickyZee, that’s an interesting snippet re amateur clubs not being able to take a fee for a player, though I guess logically it makes sense.
It looks like Queens Park are not going to be in that boat for much longer, anyway – the club’s members have voted to go professional.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50425490
In the context of that, the £50k fee is actually huge, and represents a new era for the club. Exciting times ahead.
G
Jan 13, 2020 at 11:44 AM
Comment #4I would leave Joelinton out of the team for this one, and maybe give Elias a run out? Keep AC handy on the bench. If he’s been having groin trouble for a few weeks it won’t magically heal by Wednesday will it?
The next Mike Williamson
Jan 13, 2020 at 11:48 AM
Comment #5I think sell on fees should be mandatory on all players under 17. The likes of Chelsea can currently steal the best young players from teams like Exeter with only small compensation. And then they loan them out, barely even coach them, and sell them for millions.
Mindshaft
Jan 13, 2020 at 11:49 AM
Comment #6Surely if Linton is struggling with a groin injury he should be left out regardless if he declares himself fit – getting a goal or two against league 1 opposition probably isn’t going to help his confidence that much and if he doesn’t score can only mean his confidence will go through the floor – would rather Sorenson or Allan play up top, surely we should have more than enough to beat Rochdale – we have a squad of 25 players and can call up U23 and unnamed squad players such as Saivet ( which will put them in shop window for a loan )
B&W blood
Jan 13, 2020 at 11:57 AM
Comment #7There seems to be quite a few tickets sold for Rochdale game, i thought it would be pretty low around 10k but the lower bowl of stadium on both sides and gallowgate looks fairly full.
martoon
Jan 13, 2020 at 12:02 PM
Comment #8One for the older readers – when Bruce meets Ashley I have visions of Old Mr Grace in ‘Are you being served’ – Ashley waving and saying “You’re all doing very well” 😀