Newcastle United’s recent blip means the prospect of not finishing in the automatic promotion places is a genuine possibility. While the Magpies’ fate remains in their hands, they are in no sort of form leading into the most pivotal part of the campaign.
Exactly how this happened remains to be seen, though the absence of Ciaran Clark certainly hasn’t helped Rafa Benitez’s cause. Despite his largely unheralded arrival from Aston Villa over the course of the summer, the Republic of Ireland international has established himself as one of the most important players on Tyneside this term.
So, the news the defender could be back for the crucial game against Preston North End this weekend has had fans online praising just how vital Clark is to the backline.
With neither Jamaal Lascelles, Chancel Mbemba or Isaac Hayden proving overly convincing in recent weeks, having him back in the side will be a boost to the Magpies, who need all the help they can get to make it back to the Premier League as things stand.
That being said, here’s how fans reacted to the injury news.
