On-loan Crewe Alexandra midfielder Joe White has been recalled and could make first-team appearances for his parent club over the coming weeks as Newcastle United are in the midst of an injury crisis.
The Magpies currently have four players unavailable in the centre of the pitch over the coming weeks as Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson are all missing. Bruno Guimarães is also at risk, just one booking away from picking up a ban as well.
White has been in great form for The Railwaymen over the half-season he has spent in League Two, recording 25 appearances alongside three goals and three assists.
A product of both Newcastle and Carlisle United‘s academies, the 21-year-old scored the only goal as Crewe inflicted just the second loss of the season on Mansfield Town. White has also made appearances in the EFL for Hartlepool United and Exeter City.
The England Youth international has returned to his parent club, where boss Eddie Howe is keen to assess his ability. He said [Quotes via Newcastle World]: “We’ve decided to bring Joe back and we’ll see where he’s at in terms of his development. He’s done very well latterly in his loan.
“I’m really pleased with Joe because he’s a highly talented player. He’s had certain things to work on in his game. He’s gone away on loan and played regularly and started to contribute goals and assists.
“We’ll bring him back and see where his game is at and then make a decision based on that.”
Howe has given his youth players plenty of opportunity this season with the injury problems with Lewis Miley being the biggest beneficiary. The 17-year-old has made plenty of starts for the St James’ Park club, including at the Parc De Princes in the Champions League.
Despite the possibility of first-team appearances, League Two sides are still interested in White’s services for the second half of the season. Crewe are looking to re-sign him, but face stiff competition from leaders Stockport County, according to Newcastle World.
Writer’s View
The injury crisis in midfield at Newcastle has been a great opportunity for their youth players to prove themselves on the highest stages. Lewis Miley has thrived with his chances, and Joe White could do the same. His consistency and offensive contributions at Gresty Road have made him a favourite of Lee Bell, who is keen for the 21-year-old to return as soon as possible. Eddie Howe is pleased with his efforts in the fourth division, so we could see White named in a teamsheet over the next few days.
Losing the midfielder is a harsh blow to the Cheshire club’s promotion bid. Having started 14 matches and played over 1000 minutes in their League Two campaign, White has quickly become an essential part of the Railwaymen’s squad. Whilst certainly having the cover for his loss, the fact that Bell is seeking to get his number 30 back to the club as quickly as possible speaks volumes. Should White star for Newcastle, it would certainly scupper Stockport County’s rumoured interest. With FIFA Regulations stating a player can only play official matches for two clubs in one season, an appearance of the 21-year-old would deny them the chance to bring in the midfielder.
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