Steve Bruce has 'no regrets' over DeAndre Yedlin's departure amid right-back concerns

Yedlin joined Galatasaray on a free transfer early this month to free up wages to “make way” for the arrival of midfielder Joe Willock on loan from Arsenal.

However, less than a week later Newcastle United’s head coach lost Javier Manquillo to an ankle injury – and Emil Krafth is now the club’s only fit right-back.

Chelsea targeted Krafth in last night's 2-0 defeat. The 26-year-old had to contend with Timo Werner and the over-lapping Marcus Alonso during a fraught first-half period at Stamford Bridge.

Asked about the right-back situation, and the departure of Yedlin, Bruce said: "Look, he was out of contract, and we had three right-backs at the club. So, you know, we made the decision. You have to make decisions. We had to make way for somebody else to come in. I’ve got no regrets.”

Yedlin – whose contract was set to expire in the summer – had demanded “clarity” from United over his future ahead of his move to Galatasaray.

Meanwhile, Newcastle remain 17th in the Premier League and seven points above third-bottom Fulham, who have a game in hand.

“I think there’s seven or eight teams that are always looking probably over their shoulders,” said Bruce. “That’s the nature of the Premier League when you’re in the bottom half.

“You always hope you can get to the magical figure whatever it is. We certainly haven’t got enough points at the moment, and hopefully we can put a couple of wins together very, very quickly.”

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