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Winger’s new injury adds to Newcastle United worries 6 weeks ahead of new season

5 years ago
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With exactly six weeks to go until Newcastle United kick off their Premier League season, the club is in a total mess.

Whilst Newcastle fans were hoping that this summer would see a club transformed, with serious improvement in the squad at last, it is looking increasingly likely that next season will see a main reliance on the players who were here last season, give or take a Salomon Rondon.

Only 39 days until transfer deadline and widespread media reports stating that Mike Ashley won’t be rushing to appoint a new manager (or head coach…), before even the possibility of new signings being made.

In these circumstances, injuries to the existing squad are the last thing needed.

On Saturday night Ghana were up against Cameroon in their second group game at the African Cup of Nations.

A tame game saw a combined total of only three efforts on target as both sides settled for a 0-0 draw, with both countries set to qualify for the knockout stages.

Cameroon now all but through with four points, whilst Ghana only need to beat the weakest side in the group, Guinea-Bissau to go through, as they have two points from their opening two games.

Of more concern though for them is that Christian Atsu could be ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

The Newcastle winger hit a long range effort just wide in the 15th minute but injured himself  in the process.

Christian Atsu in obvious pain with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, forced off as he couldn’t continue.

The tournament has another three weeks to run (final on 19 July) so Atsu was always going to miss a significant part of Newcastle’s pre-season.

No update on how serious the injury is but it is doubtful whether he will play any part for Ghana in these AFCON finals and of course now worries as to whether he will be ready to start the season with Newcastle on 11 August.

Christian Atsu is yet to fully convince Newcastle fans that he has what it takes to be a regular Premier League starter but last season still made 28 Premier League appearances, 15 starts and 13 from the bench.

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