Steve Bruce reveals why he had to take off Paul Dummett in Newcastle United defeat

Dummett, back from the long-term hamstring injury which had sidelined him for much of last year, was forced off before Billy Sharp scored a dispute penalty in last night’s 1-0 defeat to previously-winless Sheffield United.

The defender – who had played 120 minutes against Arsenal at the weekend – was replaced by Matt Ritchie in the 74th minute.

“I think it’s probably more fatigue than anything else,” said head coach Bruce, who insisted that he would “never, ever walk away from a challenge” after the game. “With Matt Ritchie having not 100% either, it was a difficult one. I think he’s OK. It’s more a fatigue thing, a cramp thing, than anything too serious.”

Meanwhile, winger Ryan Fraser will miss the Arsenal game on January 18 through suspension after being dismissed for two bookable offences at Bramall Lane.

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