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With the apparent lack of funds available for further incoming transfers, and the lack of players leaving Newcastle United, the players on the books now are going to have to suffice for Rafael Benitez.
For that to happen, health in the first team is of the utmost importance. Now, we take a look at some of the players that have a history with the training table.
Siem de Jong
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NUFC supporters are no stranger to Siem de Jong’s injury history. In truth, this guy was supposed to be the man when the 2014-15 season kicked off. However, he literally could not stay on the pitch, and has fallen to the wayside in the minds of supporters.
In two seasons with Newcastle United, de Jong only featured in 22 league matches. Last season, he was on loan with PSV, and now he gets another shot with Newcastle in their first season back in the Premier League.
Many of his injuries have been of the “freak” nature, with an eye injury being one of the ailments that kept him from first-team playing time. If he can avoid these somewhat bizarre occurrences this season, he can finally establish himself as a top player at the club.
Rolando Aarons
Every time Aarons is on the pitch, he impresses those watching. However, he’s often away from the pitch due to injury. Only 21 years old, Aarons is one of the few youngsters at the club that can make an immediate first team impact this season.
Aarons missed the better part of 2016-17 due to an ACL injury, which was just another setback in a long line of injuries to the young winger. He spoke out about some of the injuries he suffered, as he has been understandably frustrated by the obstacles he’s faced.
This offseason, he’s been working extremely hard to regain his fitness as well as his spot in the first team. We’ll soon see if the hard work will pay off with a healthy, impactful season.
Dwight Gayle
Arguably the thinnest position at Newcastle United, the Toon can ill afford to lose Dwight Gayle. Unfortunately, it’s almost a foregone conclusion we’ll lose him at some point due to those pesky hamstrings.
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Gayle missed time last season due to a left hamstring injury in February, and a right hamstring injury in April. Newcastle can’t afford to be missing their number 9 for any period of time this season, as scoring goals will be hard enough as it is. Gayle will have to ensure he’s in tip top shape for the Magpies to stay up in 2017-18.
The key to staying in the Premier League for Rafa Benitez and the Magpies will be defending well, forming chemistry early on, and, possibly most importantly, staying healthy. If these three players can beat the injury wrap they’ve earned in the past, Newcastle United will have a great case for sticking around in the Premiership.