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:

9. RW: Anthony Elanga (in for Jacob Murphy)
After a difficult first season in black and white, Elanga has started this one well with two goals in three Premier League matches so far. | Getty Images

10. LW: Harvey Barnes
Barnes has started the season in good goalscoring form with three goals in four matches. Capable of scoring a goal out of nothing - his strike v Bournemouth proved that. | Getty Images

11. AM: Joe Willock
Played more as the striker rather than a No.10 against Millwall and scored the goal that won Newcastle the game. | AFP via Getty Images
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12. ST: Yoane Wissa
Wissa scored in Newcastle’s last Premier League away day win. One of many players enjoying a new lease of life under Matthias Jaissle, | Getty Images


