NEWSFEED: Will Matias Fernandez-Pardo Be Fit to Play Against Fulham?
Newcastle United could welcome Matias Fernandez-Pardo back for Saturday's Premier League trip to Fulham, although his availability remains uncertain after a serious bout of illness.
What Illness Has Kept Matias Fernandez-Pardo Out of Newcastle's Team?
Fernandez-Pardo has been side-lined by a severe virus rather than a football-related injury.
Matthias Jaissle has confirmed that the illness affected the 21-year-old badly, leaving him short of the physical fitness required to play Premier League football.
What Has Matthias Jaissle Said About Fernandez-Pardo?
Jaissle confirmed after Monday's 1-0 defeat to Everton that Fernandez-Pardo had returned to light training on Sunday.
However, the Newcastle manager explained that the illness had affected the player badly and that he was not physically ready to be included against Everton.
The hope is that Fernandez-Pardo can make sufficient progress during the week to return to the squad against Fulham.
Will Fernandez-Pardo Play Against Fulham?
Fernandez-Pardo is a doubt rather than a confirmed absentee for Saturday's match.
Reports suggest that he could return to full training this week, with his availability depending on how well he recovers from the virus.
Even if he is declared fit, Newcastle may decide that a place among the substitutes is more appropriate than an immediate return to the starting eleven.
Jaissle will want to avoid rushing the young forward back before he has fully recovered.
Why His Return Would Be Welcome News
Newcastle travel to Fulham following consecutive defeats against Everton, with the Magpies having lost four of their previous five matches.
Fernandez-Pardo's return would provide Jaissle with another attacking option as Newcastle attempt to improve their Premier League form.
With Jacob Ramsey suspended for Saturday's match, the Newcastle manager already faces selection decisions.
A fully recovered Fernandez-Pardo would therefore be a welcome addition to the travelling squad.
When Will His Availability Be Confirmed?
Newcastle face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, 7 November, with kick-off at 3pm.
A further update from Jaissle ahead of the match should provide a clearer indication of whether Fernandez-Pardo is ready to return.
For now, the outlook is cautiously encouraging, but his participation against Fulham remains unconfirmed.
Newcastle United signed Pardo for a reported £51M from Lille and after his arrival NUFCBlog looked at his career to date and his preferred position Where Does Pardo Play? and fans expressed their opinions on whether he could be the striker answer that the club were looking for.
You can read all NUFCBlog articles here: NEWCASTLE UNITED Fan Discussion & Debate | NUFCBlog
Comments