In a major blow to Newcastle United just before the Aston Villa game, Isaac Hayden will be out for a month. The 21-year-old had a surgery on his ankle on Friday and will be sidelined for up to four weeks.
Hayden has been a crucial part of Rafa Benitez’s plan but didn’t feature in the last two matches against Wolves and Norwich City. The midfielder joined the Magpies from Arsenal in the summer and has gone on to prove his influence for the Championship side.
Hayden’s absence could prove to a fatal blow to the Toons as the player could miss up to seven games including some very important games like Brighton, Huddersfield, and Reading, leaving gaffer Benitez in a huge dilemma.
Newcastle United sold Cheick Tiote to Chinese club Beijing BG and Benitez has been left with only a handful number of players to pick from in that particular position. Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback have to take additional responsibility in the absence of the player.
On being asked about Hayden’s severity of injury Benitez said, “He had a little problem with his ankle that we were trying to manage
“But in the end he was not comfortable with it and we had to do the operation. He was doing well, and was a key player for us. Now, we have to cope with the others.”
Also, the return to fitness of Vurnon Anita would be a big boost to the Newcastle United fans as the Dutch player can be deployed in the heart of the midfield if needed. Benitez went on to add, “We are losing one player that was playing, but we are gaining one that was doing well when he left.
“He was playing as a right full-back, but he is also a player who can play in three positions and understand the game.”
Newcastle United are set to host Aston Villa on Tuesday and a win in this match can set the stage for their next matches.
