Jonjo Shelvey drops Newcastle United selection hint ahead of Crystal Palace visit

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton FC at St. James Park on December 08, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

As we reach the half-way point of the Premier League campaign the Magpies find themselves in a bit of an injury conundrum, with a number of key players nursing injuries. Manager Steve Bruce could not find out the answer to this question last weekend as Burnley out-muscled United at Turf Moor – but this time out at St James’s Park, the boss could at least have Shelvey back in his ranks.

Speaking on the club website, Shelvey said: “I had a minor strain on my calf on the Thursday before the game. It was probably key to miss one game rather than six or seven if I made it worse.

“Fingers crossed with that (training on Thursday) it will give me a chance to play, if selected.”

With Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie all out, Shelvey admits he was determined to play last weekend.

But on medical advice he was wisely talked out of it, especially given his recent chequered injury record.

"I didn't want to miss the game on Saturday, I still asked if I could play," he continued.

"The medical staff made that decision. For me it was horrible not to be able to help the team.

"Hopefully I can continue my form from before the game I missed and return to winning ways with another goal Saturday."