Newcastle United need the season to end.
While there remains an outside chance of Newcastle qualifying for European football in at least some capacity this season, it’s difficult to believe they will be consistent enough to actually do that.
The lack of consistency has confused Eddie Howe all season and with no FA Cup remaining after Saturday night’s defeat at Manchester City, the campaign looks at risk of dying out.
The hope, of course, is that next time out will be brighter for the club.
A big summer in the transfer window has been predicted, albeit FFP issues remain.
Hopefully, however, at least some of the injury problems start to clear up. Howe remains without a host of key players and Alan Shearer believes two are particularly notable absences.
Newcastle injury news: Alan Shearer on Nick Pope and Joelitnon
Speaking to BBC One after the game, Shearer picked out both Nick Pope and Joelinton as the biggest absences for Newcastle.
“This season has been tough for Newcastle, but there have been mitigating circumstances – the injuries, especially to Nick Pope and Joelinton,” he said.
“They miss both of those players a lot.”
Pope is not expected back until the end of April after suffering a dislocated shoulder in December, while Joelinton faces a fight to play again this season following thigh surgery.
Newcastle injury news: Pope and Joelinton returns will be huge
Howe was believed to have been crestfallen when Pope was injured, underlining just how important the goalkeeper is to his plans.
While there have been promising moments from Martin Dubravka, he has been criticised at times. Having Pope back should help improve the defence at the very least.
Joelinton, meanwhile, is so important to Howe’s intense style. According to FBREF data, no regular starter for Newcastle averages more in the way of tackles and interceptions per game (3.73). He also ranks in the top three for recoveries over the same period (5.87) and that kind of energy was missed at City.
Of all of Newcastle’s injuries, those two really are missed.
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