Eddie Howe says Jonjo Shelvey is feeling a lot more positive regarding his recent injury setback after initial disappointment at facing another spell on the sidelines for Newcastle United. The midfielder has picked up a calf injury and faces up to eight weeks on the treatment table after recently recovering from a hamstring problem.
Shelvey has only started one competitive game for the Magpies this season and needs to feature in a further two from the outset to trigger an automatic contract extension on Tyneside. Shelvey's long-term future at Newcastle remains up in the air but the midfielder is staying positive according to Eddie Howe.
"He's disappointed. He's a passionate guy," the Toon boss told reporters on Friday. "He lives for football and the feeling of playing, showing his skills on a weekly basis.
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"That's a big driver and when he's not able to do that it's a big thing taken away from him. I saw him yesterday, and had a good chat with him. He’s a lot more positive now about the future, really focusing on the future
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"Although the time period is lengthy, it’s not a long-term injury. He can very quickly get into his rehab, start running again quite quickly. There’s a lot to be positive about.”
Shelvey's injury may force Newcastle to rethink their January plans with talk of an extra midfielder being drafted in now rife. Howe is refusing to be drawn on how he plans to improve his high-flying squad next month but is open to new arrivals.
Newcastle face Leeds this weekend knowing a win will keep the pressure on Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. The first game of 2023 sees Howe's side face Arsenal at the Emirates.
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