Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United have received a potentially important boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth after Matthias Jaissle addressed growing concerns surrounding one of his forwards.
There had been reports that William Osula could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with supporters understandably concerned about the situation at a time when Newcastle are already dealing with several fitness issues.
However, Jaissle has now moved to play down the injury rumours.
The Newcastle boss was asked about the situation during his pre-match media briefing as his side prepare to welcome Bournemouth to St James’ Park.
Rather than confirming the worst-case scenario, Jaissle rubbished the suggestion that Osula was facing a lengthy absence.
That will come as a huge relief to Newcastle supporters, particularly after the club’s attacking options changed significantly during a busy summer transfer window.
The Magpies allowed Nick Woltemade to leave on loan for Juventus, while they brought in a number of new faces as part of a major squad rebuild.
New signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo is now pushing for his Newcastle debut after arriving from Lille on Deadline Day, and Jaissle has already been impressed by what he has seen from the young forward.
The Newcastle manager confirmed that Fernandez-Pardo is fit and has been training with the squad, although the club will carefully manage his workload after he went some time without playing a full 90 minutes.
That could potentially open the door for the Belgian to make his first appearance against Bournemouth.
Newcastle head into the game with plenty of confidence following their impressive 2-0 victory away to Tottenham last weekend.
Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa scored the second-half goals that secured Jaissle’s first Premier League victory as Newcastle manager, and the German now wants his side to build on that result.
The Magpies are unbeaten in their opening three games of the campaign and will be looking to claim back-to-back league victories for the first time since March.
There is also growing excitement around Wissa, who has been nominated for the Premier League’s August Player of the Month award after making an excellent start to life at Newcastle.
But with Bournemouth arriving at St James’ Park, Jaissle will be desperate to have as many attacking options available as possible.
The latest update on Osula therefore comes at an important moment.
While Newcastle still have fitness concerns to manage, the manager’s response appears to have eased fears that Osula could be facing a major lay-off.
And with Fernandez-Pardo now fit and training, Newcastle suddenly have another attacking option ready to step into the spotlight.
The summer transfer window may be closed, but the pressure is only beginning for Jaissle and his new-look Newcastle side.
Saturday could provide another early indication of just how quickly the German can transform the Magpies.
And if Newcastle can secure another three points against Bournemouth, the excitement around this new era at St James’ Park will only grow louder.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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