Over this festive period, Newcastle United, much like most other Premier League teams played four matches within the space of 12 days. The fixture congestion places an incredible demand on any squad, but with injuries in vital areas already, the Magpies were stretched to breaking point.
They sustained more casualties in just a fortnight than any other side in the Premier League did, clocking five in one game against Leicester City with 11 players side-lined in total. A four-game spell has caused manager Bruce an enormous headache that could have ramifications on how the rest of their season pans out.
The Magpies treatment room is now at maximum capacity, and the only hope Bruce can take from the situation is that the return of some of his most crucial assets is just around the corner. Captain Jamaal Lascelles could be set for a return to action against Wolves after fracturing his tibia after colliding with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Allan Saint-Maximin is also due to make a reappearance to the team sheet this month as well, but it seems the medical room at St James’ Park currently has a one out one in policy.
To further compound his misery, Bruce finds himself in the middle of a three-game losing streak in the league, with a host of players unavailable to address that slide. Before the start of the festive period, the Magpies were sitting pretty in the top half of the table, ten points clear of danger. Five games later and Newcastle are getting sucked into the relegation dogfight as their deficit to the drop has been sliced in half.
At first glance, it appeared that Bruce had been quietly going about his business taking over from Rafael Benitez at St James’ Park, but the Magpies have been outperforming expectations all season. The glut of festive injuries is unfortunate, but it was only a matter of time before the Tyneside club were exposed for creating a lack of chances and relying on defenders to provide the goals. Lascelles and Saint-Maximin will have to make significant impacts upon their return to steady what is currently a sinking ship, as the issues continue to mount for Bruce.
