Before their trip to Southampton, Newcastle United has been given an injury boost, but Eddie Howe is not quite happy.
The Magpies must bounce back from their 4-1 defeat against Bournemouth with a win on the south coast if they are to keep the flames alight under their top four push.
News out of the Southampton camp this week has given Toon further hope against the side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.
Southampton star ruled out
Tyler Dibling, a Southampton star and rumored Toon target, suffered an ankle injury against Manchester United that is likely to keep him out of action for four to six weeks.
With his ability to carry the ball from the right second to none, the courageous winger has been the Saints’ most impressive player this season and is frequently their greatest threat. But he won’t be there when they kick off at St. Mary’s on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Dibling played a crucial role in the game’s first goal, as the teenager’s header was diverted into Manuel Ugarte’s own net, but was injured and replaced after 63 minutes against Ruben Amorim’s team. A late hat-trick from Amad Diallo then caused the Saints to crumble and lose 3-1.
Given the severity of the injury and the fact that he will miss at least three more Premier League games, including this Saturday’s match against Newcastle, Dibling was subsequently left out of the team for the next game against Nottingham Forest.
Blow to slim January hopes
I would be shocked if we immediately pursued the winger, who might be out for the rest of January and February, assuming the rumor that he could be out for up to six weeks is accurate. A summer rush between several clubs seems more likely.
Miguel Almiron’s departure might have given us the opportunity to move ahead of the curve and finish our transaction quickly, but if we can’t use our investment until March, it seems doubtful that we’ll take the risk now.