Matias Fernandez-Pardo withdraws from Belgium squad hours before Newcastle United clash
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has not featured for Newcastle United since the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on October 17.
Belgian manager Mark van Bommel has revealed Matias Fernandez-Pardo will miss the upcoming international.
The 21-year-old has not featured for Newcastle United since the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa almost three weeks ago. He suffered a virus but returned to first-team training and could be involved against Fulham this afternoon.
Matthias Jaissle is desperate for a fresh spark in the final third, with Will Osula and Yoane Wissa scoring just two goals between them this season. It remains to be seen whether Fernandez-Pardo is fit enough to start at Craven Cottage given his illness.
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Matias Fernandez-Pardo withdrawal
At a press conference, Van Bommel revealed Fernandez-Pardo made the decision to pull out of the Belgium squad. He also let slip that the forward is not 100 per cent fit - a possible team hint for the Magpies.
“He was ill for a very long time,” he said. “He has only trained twice since October 17. As a result, he isn’t at 100 percent, which is why he isn’t part of the squad. He still doesn’t feel quite right, so it was his own choice.”
Matthias Jaissle update
Jaissle told reporters on Thursday that Fernandez-Pardo will be assessed before the Fulham clash. He said: "Matias Fernandez-Pardo has had a heavy virus. He has been out for more than two weeks.
"He is progressing and training again with us. We will have to see how he is physically before Fulham."
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