Team news: Newcastle will not hand senior debut to Alabi against West Brom
Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that talented Manchester-born Nigerian midfielder Sam Alabi will not make his senior debut for Newcastle United this evening, with manager Matthias Jaissle deciding to omit him from the matchday squad for the visit of West Bromwich Albion in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Alabi suffered a serious shin injury in January that ruled him out for the remainder of last season.
Following his lengthy layoff, Newcastle have been taking a cautious approach to his return, with the club's medical team putting together a specific plan to ease him back into action.
The 17-year-old is currently playing for Newcastle's U18s as part of his rehabilitation and recovery process, and found the net in his most recent outing against Fulham.
The idea is to get Alabi fully up to speed with the U18s before he steps up to the U21s.
At this stage, he is not considered ready for the physical demands of senior football, so he has not been called up for game against West Brom.
Newcastle are keen to avoid rushing the highly rated midfielder into the first team following his serious injury and will continue to follow the medical team's plan for his gradual return.
If everything goes according to plan, Alabi could eventually join first team training during the second half of the season, giving him an opportunity to work under Jaissle and continue his development.
Last season, he was called up to the first-team squad on four occasions but did not make his senior debut.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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