Eddie Howe has provided an injury update ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to Leeds United and has confirmed that another player has suffered a season-ending injury.
Jamaal Lascelles is already ruled out for Newcastle’s remaining games, and he will now be joined by Matt Ritchie.
The 33-year-old has been a pretty consistent presence on the Newcastle bench this season, but he is now set to miss the final four matches of the Premier League campaign.
Eddie Howe says Matt Ritchie’s season is over
Ahead of the game against Leeds, Howe gave the media an injury update. He has explained why Ritchie is now out of action.
“Matt has picked up a knee injury,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s too bad but I think it will keep him out for the rest of the season.”
His Newcastle contract is coming to an end
Missing the final four games of the season is a blow for Ritchie, who has been described as an ‘invaluable‘ figure by Howe. While the midfielder has not played much, he has been an important character behind the scenes.
The Newcastle manager is full of praise for Ritchie whenever he is asked about the £ 12 million man, and has relied on him more in the second half of the season. In total, Ritchie has made 10 appearances for the Magpies during the current campaign. Two of those were starts, coming in the first rounds of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
While he has not been important on the pitch, he has been important off it. But there is now a chance that his Toon career could be coming to an end without a send-off.
Ritchie signed a new contract with the club in 2020, and it is due to expire this summer. That means he is on course to become a free agent at the end of the season.
It is unclear whether or not Howe plans to keep Ritchie at St James’ Park. While he is a valuable member of the squad, he rarely features. His place in the 25-man squad could arguably be put to better use.
A decision should be made very soon – hopefully before the Leicester game on May 22nd. That is our final home match of the season. If Ritchie is going to leave then it would be great for fans to get the chance to show their appreciation and give him the send-off he deserves.
