Newcastle United have been assessing Amar Dedic’s fitness ahead of tonight’s Premier League trip to Leeds United.
The 24-year-old summer signing was forced off at half-time in the 1-0 win at Millwall on Tuesday, with boss Matthias Jaissle confirming a hamstring problem after the match.
Dedic has been one of Newcastle’s top performers so far this season with three assists to his name, more than any other player in the squad.
The Magpies don’t believe Dedic’s injury to be too serious, but Jaissle remain tight-lipped when asked if the right-back would be fine to feature against Leeds.
“I treat these things really confidentially. I hope my staff too, that nothing comes out,” Jaissle said. “Because first of all, it's about the player and it's about his health. But what I said already after Millwall, it doesn't look too serious.”
Another player Newcastle supporters are eager to see in the starting XI is £51million summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
The 21-year-old has been limited to two substitute appearances since joining from Lille on deadline day having last started a game in May.
When asked how much closer Fernandez-Pardo was to starting, Jaissle replied: “He's getting closer. I said that we need to be smart with his load management.
“Now he's getting more and more minutes. He has now almost a full training week, that helps him a lot - I think it's the first time now since he arrived. Then we can make the decision on Sunday, maybe even on Monday.”
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up at Elland Road:

1. Newcastle United predicted XI v Leeds United
AFP via Getty Images

2. GK: Lukas Hornicek
The 24-year-old Czech international is yet to concede on the road this season with clean sheets against Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall. | Getty Images

3. RB: Amar Dedic
Dedic came off at half-time against Millwall with a hamstring complaint, but Jaissle doesn’t believe it to be too serious. The five full days rest might see the Bosnian recover in time. | Getty Images

4. CB: Malick Thiaw (in for Fabian Schar)
After a rest against Millwall, the German is in line to return to the starting line-up and once again take the captain’s armband. | Getty Images
