'Wasn't 100%' - Matias Fernandez-Pardo issue revealed after Newcastle United's defeat to Aston Villa
Matias Fernandez-Pardo felt ill during Newcastle United’s defeat to Aston Villa at St James’ Park.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo suffered from illness during Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa.
The £51million summer signing had started the Magpies’ previous three matches as the central striker but moved out to the right wing against Unai Emery’s side.
The Belgian replaced Jacob Murphy on the right-hand side, with Joelinton the only change from Monday night’s 4-1 defeat at Coventry City. The Brazilian partnered Nico Gonzalez in midfield, allowing Joe Willock to push forward into the No.10 position behind Yoane Wissa as the centre-forward.
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Matias Fernandez-Pardo suffered from illness v Aston Villa
Fernandez-Pardo was involved during the opening half-hour but faded after Johan Manzambi gave Villa the lead in the 36th minute.
After the game, Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle revealed that Fernandez-Pardo had not been feeling well before he was brought off for Bazoumana Toure on the hour-mark.
“First of all, you need to also know that during the match, he wasn’t feeling 100% well,” Jaissle told BBC Radio Newcastle when asked about Fernandez-Pardo’s change of position. “He has a sickness feeling, so we also need to consider that.
“But in general, especially in the first 30 minutes, he used his strengths on the wing so this is an element we can use more often for sure.”
Matthias Jaissle has already backed Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Fernandez-Pardo is yet to score his first goal for Newcastle since joining from French club Lille on deadline day but Jaissle said earlier this week he believes it is only a matter of time.
“I think it's just the goal missing right now to give him the confidence back,” Jaissle said. “But he's an amazing player and he has so much potential.
“Top, really top. We're all convinced that it's just a matter of time.
“I watched him today after the [training] session when he got a couple of more finishes. Pure class. So again, fully convinced that he will perform again on a good level like he did and he's hopefully getting the rewards.”