Returning to light training after 10 months out, maybe Massadio Haidara could be a real asset but the chances of even staying fit long enough to potentially show anything, are daunting enough.
Since December, despite currently being eighth in the table, Stoke City have only beaten Newcastle’s relegation rivals, Bournemouth, Villa and Norwich – Not sure whether that is a positive or negative statistic..
Only at Newcastle under Mike Ashley and his minions could we end up with four strikers but only one of them playing, yet not one fit for purpose left-back at the club and no decent centre-backs available either.
Steve McClaren: “The likes of Vurnon Anita, Massadio Haidara, Paul Dummett, even Papiss Cisse and Chancel Mbemba have got a chance of the Stoke game. With the 18 day gap after Chelsea, we are hoping at least two or three of them will be back as well.”