Yoshinori Muto has been “unfortunate” at Newcastle United this season.

That’s the verdict of Steve Bruce, who hasn’t called upon Muto since the club’s 5-0 defeat to Leicester City two months ago. Muto, signed from Mainz two years ago, wasn’t even on the bench for Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Japan international has played just 101 minutes of Premier League football so far this season.

Bruce, United’s head coach, says the 27-year-old – who is reportedly considering his future ahead of January’s transfer window – must be patient.

“He's got to take his chance when it comes around again,” said Bruce, who has been fielding Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin up front. “He's been unfortunate. I like Yoshi, but, at the minute, we've got people in front of him, and we'll see where he goes.”