How do Newcastle United replace Jonjo Shelvey? Steve Bruce’s options & likely changes assessed

What’s happened to Shelvey?

Shelvey has suffered a calf injury, according to Bruce, in the other leg to a similar problem which prevented him training for much of the summer and pre-season campaign.

Speaking yesterday at his pre-Aston Villa press call, Bruce said: “It doesn’t look as if Jonjo will make it for Saturday. He had a calf injury in pre-season and Sod’s law it’s his other one that’s the issue.”

Shelvey started the 4-2 home loss to West Ham United in the deepest of the three central midfield roles, with Isaac Hayden and Miguel Almiron alongside him.

What options does Steve Bruce have available for selection?

Bruce has Hayden, Almiron, Jeff Hendrick, Sean Longstaff, Matty Longstaff, Ryan Fraser and new boy Joe Willock to choose from in his midfield department. Defender Fabian Schar can also play the role, if required.

It seems certain Almiron will retain his place as one of the more advanced ‘No.8s’ in the midfield three while Willock is likely to come in on the right of the three, to make his permanent debut following his £25million switch from Arsenal.

Who is most likely to replace Shelvey in the centre?

There isn’t really a like-for-like replacement in United’s ranks, not one who can replicate the passing range of the former England international.

While Hayden has the tackling and can break up play in a deeper role, he possesses a much-reduced passing range and his mobility, at times, has been called into question. His heart and drive, however, cannot be questioned.

Playing deeper does not suit the likes of Fraser or the two Longstaff brothers, despite the fact Sean was coached into playing the role by former manager Rafa Benitez when he first broke into the United XI. His game, like the other two, is better suited breaking forward.

That leaves Hendrick and Schar - both of whom are real outside bets, with Hayden the most likely to get the nod.

Hendrick has been used by Bruce in pre-season in a more advanced role, but deputised in the absence of Shelvey last season with mixed success. Schar is more likely to get a back three call-up than one in the midfield trio.

Does Bruce have any other injury issues heading to Villa Park?

Goalkeepers Martin Dubravka (ankle) and Karl Darlow (Covid) remain out, meaning Freddie Woodman will continue in goal. Elsewhere, Paul Dummett, a key cog in the defence, is also sidelined.