- Jonjo Shelvey set to miss Newcastle’s match with Liverpool this Saturday
- Midfielder suffered knee injury in last weekend’s draw with Bournemouth
- Shelvey played for Liverpool from 2010-2013
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Jonjo Shelvey is a doubt for Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool this weekend after suffering a knee injury in last weekend’s draw with Bournemouth.
The midfielder is set to miss out on a return to face his former employers, who he played for between 2010-2013, after injuring himself during a challenge with his own goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Shelvey will now undergo a second scan on his knee and further observation, as confirmed by Newcastle’s official club website.
Though there is never reason to welcome injury, his absence would certainly mark a boost in Liverpool’s eyes given the threat he can pose in the middle of the park.
A team lacking fire power could now lose a main supplier for a vital run-in as Rafa Benitez’s men look to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Currently in 15th place, the Magpies are only two points ahead of 18th-placed Swansea and find themselves part of a tightly-contested fight for survival.
An injury layoff would also serve as a personal setback to Shelvey himself in his bid to mount a late challenge for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup in Russia.
His temperament has again hindered his chances on the international stage this season, but England’s shortage of central midfielders has invited new competition from beyond the usual starters.
Newcastle’s alternative options on Saturday could include selecting one of Mikel Merino or Isaac Hayden to slot in beside Mohamed Diame.