Newcastle suffered a setback yesterday night in the Champions League when we were defeated 1-0 by Borussia Dortmund, but we weren’t at our best and had no success.
Otherwise, we could have drawn Dortmund, which would have greatly improved our prospects of qualifying for the final rounds.
But we didn’t, and we moved on.
One of the positives last night was that Joe Willock returned and looked as if he hadn’t been away since last summer with a hamstring and then an Achilles injury.
Joe was interviewed on Newcastle’s website and spoke up about his emotions while returning from injury:
“It’s been the hardest time of my career, to be honest.”
“The last five months, having a couple of setbacks and not being able to get back with the team when I wanted to.”
“It’s quite difficult. But we’re a close group, a true brotherhood, and they’ve been invaluable to me.”
“Even when I was doing my rehab a couple of the players came to watch me and it meant the world to me.”
“Just to see they were supporting me through this time when I was injured.”
“I really am looking forward to playing more minutes and competing and helping the team.”
“I have a lot of fight in my belly built up over the last five months.”
Willock makes some valid points.
And he should see more playing time now that Tonali is gone for the season after being banned for ten months for unlawful gambling.
Joe has improved significantly under Eddie Howe, and he now has a significant task to do before the end of the season.
We’re confident he’s up to the challenge.
