Steve Bruce admits that injuries are going to be an issue as Newcastle United look to restart their season. The Bundesliga’s return has coincided with a spate of muscle injuries in Germany but Bruce begins the final chapter of this odd campaign with only a few knocks and niggles caused by the intensity of “pre-season” training. Indeed, the Magpies have had to squeeze six weeks of fitness work into three weeks and have had only a few friendly games to get warmed up.
Steve Bruce said “We have had a fully fit squad, so 25 or 26 players to train but the difficulty has been getting the balance right. We have had to find the right intensity to get them up and at it so quickly after having so long off. They have all came back in good condition. It has been a little different as we didn’t have – like a pre-season – where they have six weeks off, then six weeks preparation and then six games. But it has been safe for all of us. We are going to see injuries, I am convinced of that. We already have in just two games. Some players are undercooked or not quite ready so it has been difficult but it’s the same for everybody. The one thing that’s for certain when you study the Bundesliga, injuries are up. They only had three weeks to prepare. We have all said it isn’t long enough to prepare but it’s the same for all of us. We’re in unprecedented times. It is inevitable you will pick up injuries or niggles along the way. Let’s hope our preparation is as good as it can be. Travelling away from home will be a nightmare in terms of logistics. We hope we can improve it. Again if you look at the Bundesliga again home form has no relevance. Away teams have won more than the home teams.”
