Nick Woltemade looks set to resume his role as Newcastle United’s starting striker on Saturday against Everton.
Woltemade, who has already scored six goals for Newcastle United, was rested for most of Tuesday’s Champions League defeat against Marseille.
In his place, Anthony Gordon started up front for Eddie Howe but, while busy in terms of pressing, the England international did little to influence the game.
Indeed, Newcastle fans were unhappy with Gordon’s performance as a striker, but there was a reason behind Howe’s decision.
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At club level this season, Woltemade has already banked 1,310 minutes of action. In the whole of last season, he amassed 2,039 minutes across all competitions.
Injuries to Yoane Wissa and William Osula have left Newcastle dependent on him and the German needs a rest ahead of the festive fixture schedule.
Thankfully, however, he looks primed and ready to go for Newcastle’s first-ever trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Nick Woltemade fully fit ahead of Everton vs Newcastle United
As such, the Gordon as a striker experiment looks to be over for now. Still, given Wissa and Osula don’t appear to be returning on an imminent basis, it may be used again.
That’s a question for another time because Howe has confirmed that Woltemade is fully fit for the journey down to Merseyside .
Asked about the striker during his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “Nick’s feeling good.
“It’s not only a reflection on that game as well. You’re just looking at the schedule ahead and, as I’ve said many times, our schedule is relentless.
“Sometimes you’re looking at it with a view to making sure players can play certain games in the future.”
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Newcastle’s last Premier League away game saw them soundly beaten by Brentford before the international break.
Obviously, something isn’t working on the road. Woltemade has often looked completely isolated and his two away goals this season have been moments of individual brilliance rather than anything else.
Woltemade was frustrated with his teammates during Brentford’s win against Newcastle, angrily throwing his hands up in the air when a pass didn’t reach him.
That is indicative of his struggles away from home. He’s just not involved enough.
Hopefully, the Everton game turns things around…
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