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:
5. CB: Sven Botman
Botman played every minute under Matthias Jaissle so far, the only player to do so. | Getty Images
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6. LB: Lewis Hall
Matthias Jaissle admitted to being “in love” with what he has seen from Hall, who signed a new long-term contract with the club last week. | AFP via Getty Images
7. CM: Nico Gonzalez
Gonzalez might have only signed a few weeks ago, but you can already see just how important he is, not just because of his ability but leadership too. | Getty Images
8. CM: Lewis Miley (in for Jacob Ramsey)
Lewis Miley, for as brilliant as he is, really didn’t play well against Bournemouth last weekend. This would be an opportunity to put it behind him. | Getty Images