26-year-old Newcastle United ‘leader’ is currently playing with an injury.

Newcastle United appear to be nearing the end of their injury crisis.

While Nick Pope, Joelinton, and Callum Wilson remain sidelined, the majority of the Magpies’ injured players have returned.

Joe Willock recently returned from an Achilles injury, and Elliot Anderson returned on Tuesday night to score a penalty in the FA Cup triumph over Blackburn Rovers. In addition, Matt Targett has resumed training following his hamstring injury.

Eddie Howe now has a roster to choose from, which is a significant help as the season nears its conclusion.

However, it appears that one of his teammates is continuing playing despite the agony.

Sean Longstaff plays for Newcastle United with an injury.
Sean Longstaff is now playing through an ailment that iNews describes as ‘niggling’.

That could explain why he appears to be struggling at the moment. The 26-year-old is playing nowhere near as brilliantly as we know he can, and has even been anonymous at times.

His recent performance has been troubling, but the fact that he is dealing with a minor injury makes his form significantly less so.

Sean Longstaff, who Howe has referred to as a ‘leader’, appears to be going above and above at a time when Newcastle are short on choices in his position.

However, the return of Willock and Anderson should hopefully allow the local lad the opportunity to get the rest he needs to heal from whatever is ailing him.

He has made 33 appearances for the Magpies this season, scoring six goals and assisting twice. Longstaff missed four games earlier this season due to an ankle ailment, but has not missed a game since the 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park on December 7th.