Once a team fancied to reenter the footballing apex of competing in the Champions League, Newcastle United Football Club has drastically underwhelmed recently. Under 'steady' Eddie Howe, they looked to be making slight strides. But that progress halted of late as the Magpies stagnate. Howe hasn't always made the correct, most cunning or inventive moves to attain further success or advancement. However, he also seemingly hasn't been adequately backed in the transfer market by the Geordie board.
In addition to that, if we believe Alan Shearer, trouble has intensified at St James's Park prior to their clash with Leicester City this weekend. All will be explained shortly. Meanwhile we also have an update on the Foxes which will certainly affect the match one way or another. That's because the east Midlands outfit have suffered injury blows before travelling to the north East to face NUFC. But which crucial Fox has been sidelined? And did LCFC manager Ruud van Nistelrooy divulge when the player in question will be available again?
Foxes of Leicester recently wrote about the issues facing Leicester City Football Club. Legendary Fox and pundit Gary Lineker was on hand to reveal critical details and his own view of LCFC.
On this occasion, a similarly iconic English striker has intensely opined on his own beloved club. And Shearer did so as Newcastle prepare to entertain Leicester.
"Writing in his column, the Premier League all-time top goalscorer compared Newcastle's current state to that of the club during the latter stages of controversial owner Mike Ashley's tenure.
'Newcastle United are drifting. As a team, they’ve gone stale and as a club, they’ve stalled, robbing them of the extraordinary momentum that was fuel for a couple of years. It does feel like the great, post-takeover “project” has reached a crossroads.'"
- Alan Shearer
Wilfred Ndidi is integral to City. Yes he's frustrated in the past at times, but he's an important and loyal LCFC servant.
Although, van Nistelrooy won't be able to call on the combative midfielder for the Newcastle fixture. Did the Dutchman give a return date for the Nigerian, and what's the story with Harry Winks?:
"Ndidi?
'Correct, he has a hamstring injury so he’s not available. We’ll see how he reacts, but it seems like it will at least be a couple of weeks.'"
- RvN
"Winks?
'Doubtful. He’s done part of team training. We’ll assess him tomorrow to see if he’s available but it’s something very difficult. Today was the first day he did partial team training.'"
- RvN