Newcastle United earned a 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League clash on Saturday (17 February) at St James’ Park.
Matt Ritchie scored his first Premier League goal since 2020, as he rescued a crucial point for the Magpies after coming off the bench.
Following a goalless first half, the game sprung into life after the break. Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo goals nearly gave the Cherries a famous win, but Ritchie scored deep in the extra time to earn a point.
In a chaotic second half, Newcastle equalized through Anthony Gordon’s contentious penalty. However, more than the result, it is the threat of injury that should bother the Magpies fans once again.
George Caulkin posted a picture on X where Fabian Schar was seen in pain. He looked in great discomfort as he left the pitch with physio after treatment.
“This doesn’t look great for Fabian Schar. Wincing in pain and using his shirt as an impromptu sling for his right arm,” wrote Caulkin.
This doesn’t look great for Fabian Schar. Wincing in pain and using his shirt as an impromptu sling for his right arm. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/u3pUefZRjx
— George Caulkin (@GeorgeCaulkin) February 17, 2024
Newcastle never-ending injury problems
The 2023-24 season has been brutally marred by injury problems and Eddie Howe must be thinking about when it will end.
Throughout the campaign, Howe didn’t enjoy a clean bill of health, and he will be frustrated if Schar now picks up an injury as well.
The likes of Callum Wilson, Joelinton, Nick Pope, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett, Alexander Isak, and Jacob Murphy are all injured at the moment. That’s a whole raft of talented players, and it must be really frustrating for the manager.
Bournemouth will be really disappointed that they twice took the lead, but couldn’t stop Newcastle from coming back into the game. With this result, Newcastle stay seventh in the Premier League.
