Fernandez-Pardo update as Jaissle reveals fitness latest ahead of Fulham trip
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has missed Newcastle United’s last three matches, missing more games than expected after falling ill almost two weeks ago.
Head coach Matthias Jaissle has now explained the situation, revealing that the forward has been suffering from a 'heavy virus' and only returned to training on Sunday.
Jaissle explains Fernandez-Pardo absence
Fernandez-Pardo was ruled out of our trip to Crystal Palace through illness, was unable to return for the Carabao Cup defeat at Everton and then missed Monday night’s home loss to the Toffees.
With his absence continuing, supporters have understandably been looking for some clarity. Jaissle has now revealed that the 21-year-old Belgian had been hit hard by a virus, meaning he was not physically ready to be considered for selection.
“He was sick with a heavy virus. He was training on Sunday for the first time, but in our perspective, he was not ready, not physically ready, to be a part of the squad.
“Hopefully, he can make progress now, but it was hitting him quite heavily.”
The decision was therefore taken not to rush Fernandez-Pardo back into the matchday squad, with the club instead allowing him time to recover properly.
There is now an expectation that he can return for Saturday’s trip to Fulham, having the benefit of a full week of training to build up his fitness. It's also hoped Lewis Miley will be back in the squad after a minor hamstring issue.
Newcastle crying out for sprinkle of quality
Fernandez-Pardo’s return can't come soon enough, with us desperately needing some fresh impetus after a miserable run of performances and results.
We need our summer signings to start making a bigger impact, and that means not only getting Fernandez-Pardo fit, but seeing him produce the quality that persuaded us to spend £51m on the former Lille star.
There is clearly talent there, but we're still waiting to see the best of him in a Newcastle shirt. A sustained run of fitness and some positive performances could make a real difference to a side crying out for spark in the final third.
Sean Steur is another new signing that must come into the side this Saturday, with the Dutchman deserving an opportunity from the start after showing his quality from the bench, once again, in Monday's miserable defeat to Everton.
The trip to Fulham feels massive for Jaissle and may be make or break ahead of a tough run of fixtures. Having Fernandez-Pardo available would be a welcome boost, but we need more than just bodies returning from injury and illness; we need our summer recruits to start delivering.
