Archive
Defensive Dilemma For McClaren
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steve McClaren revealed United have "only got four fit defenders" ahead of Saturday's trip to Watford
By Dominic Scurr
Head coach Steve McClaren revealed Newcastle United have "only got four fit defenders" ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Watford (3pm kick-off).
Recent injuries to Kevin Mbabu and Paul Dummett have left United with a threadbare back-line, while potential replacement Jack Colback has also been ruled out of the clash at Vicarage Road.
And the Magpies boss admits that may have to prompt a tactical reshuffle.
"At the moment we're struggling to find a formation and a system that accommodates the team," McClaren admitted.
"We have only got four fit defenders - the majority of them are centre-backs.
"We're missing Mbabu and unfortunately Dummett has a tight hamstring but he should be back for the next game. Jack has a little niggle that we're not taking a risk on but we hope he'll be fit for the next game as well.
"Steven Taylor and Emmanuel Riviere could be on the bench but there will be no Ivan Toney and no Siem de Jong.
"It makes thing difficult in terms of balance, but we'll find a solution from somewhere and people will have to step in a do a job tomorrow."
Despite their lengthy injury list and precarious position in the top flight table, McClaren feels the Magpies' victory over West Ham last weekend has helped maintain a positive atmosphere at the Club.
"The mood is good," he continued.
"There's a buoyancy there after our last performance (against West Ham). We've not turned the corner yet, we're not out of the pit but we're climbing our way out.
"It was important that we got a point against Manchester United and then followed that up with a victory against West Ham, but we have got to do it again at Watford."