Newcastle United have suffered a new injury setback as Joe Willock leaves the pitch before halftime.
Joe Willock, a Newcastle United midfielder, was substituted five minutes before halftime after suffering a groin injury at Craven Cottage.
The injury capped a trying first 45 minutes for Eddie Howe, who had twice used injury breaks to hold tactical time outs with his perplexed side. Willock was chosen over Elliot Anderson, however he only made 17 touches before being replaced before halftime.
In an injury-plagued season for Newcastle, Willock, who began the season with an achilles injury and subsequently suffered a setback, went off pointing to his groin. Willock will now be evaluated, and the treatment room will once again appear crowded for Howe, with Joelinton, Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento, and Miguel Almiron all taking up space in the medical department.
Willock has missed 22 Premier League matchday squads this season and may be poised for another layoff. The former Arsenal player has made just 13 appearances this season, scoring two goals, but has yet to get his season started.
Anderson will consider himself unlucky not to start the game, but he may now get an opportunity to shine in the final seven games of the season. Howe was incensed as he encouraged his team to step up their game at Craven Cottage, and a major second half response was required.
