Steve Bruce names Newcastle United player who's a week away from a comeback

Federico Fernandez has been sidelined for more than a month with a muscle injury he picked up after returning from Covid-19. Tomorrow’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford will come too soon for Fernandez. However, Bruce is hopeful that the 31-year-old will be back for the February 27 home game against Wolves.

“He trained (on Thursday), and the day before for the first time,” said United's head coach. “Unfortunately, Man United will be too quick for him. We’re hoping against Wolves he’ll be ready.”

Fernandez – who is out of contract at St James’s Park in the summer – returned from Covid-19 in December, but struggled with fatigue. And, like captain Jamaal Lascelles, he suffered an injury last month.

Lascelles made his comeback for relegation-threatened United in Monday night’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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