An explanation for Joe Willock’s surprise absence from Newcastle United’s matchday squad to face Wolverhampton Wanderers has, on Friday evening, been provided.
Eddie Howe’s troops will of course return to action in short order.
On the back of a concerning skid culminating in a trio of defeats on the bounce over recent weeks, the Magpies have welcomed the aforementioned Wolves to St. James’ Park, eyeing a much-needed returning to winning ways.
Any such efforts on the part of the evening’s hosts towards precisely that, however, will come without the contributions of one important member of the club’s squad.
The player in question? The aforementioned Joe Willock.
This comes with the former Arsenal man having been completely omitted from Newcastle’s matchday squad to face Wolves, unveiled across social media a short time ago:
⚫️ ! ⚪️#NEWWOL pic.twitter.com/zrEol3xHoT
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 8, 2022
Question marks over Willock’s whereabouts, in turn, quickly began to spread amongst the Geordie faithful ahead of kick-off on Tyneside.
But, as alluded to above, an explanation for as much has since been forthcoming.
As per a further post across their social media platforms, Newcastle have confirmed that the club’s attack-minded midfielder has been omitted on Friday owing to an unspecified injury problem.
Big-money January addition Bruno Guimaraes, as a result, has been afforded his first starting berth in a fixture at St. James’ Park.
Eddie Howe makes two changes to his starting XI as Emil Krafth and Bruno Guimarães come in for Javier Manquillo and Joe Willock.
Willock misses out through injury but Miguel Almirón returns and is among the substitutes.
Tonight’s team-news in full
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 8, 2022
Newcastle United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers live streaming: Watch Premier League online
Manchester City vs Liverpool betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions & odds
