Chris Waddle is wary about Newcastle United’s injury list ahead of the all-or-nothing showdown against AC Milan next month. The Champions League “Group of Death”, as expected, will go down to the wire on December 13.
Only one from Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain or AC Milan will join Borussia Dortmund in the knockout stages. The Magpies’ fate is out of their hands following PSG’s controversial late equaliser last night.
Newcastle need to beat Milan at St James’ Park and hope Dortmund – who qualified with a win at the San Siro – earn at least a draw against PSG. Former Toon favourite Waddle expects home advantage to play its part but admitted he is concerned about Newcastle’s injury list.
Eddie Howe had 11 players on the sidelines and, with a bench made up of goalkeepers, defenders and academy players, opted against making a substitution at the Parc des Princes. Waddle told BBC Radio 5 Live: “They’re (Newcastle) at home, the atmosphere is going to be electric. They normally find a lot more energy at home.
“They’re very hard to play against. It’s (St James’ Park) a hard place to get a result. The players seem to love a challenge when they run out there with the atmosphere. It gives them that extra yard.
“Milan will be in for a fight, we know the Italians like to dictate the pace of the game and slow it down. They’ll be looking for free kicks and advantages but it’s a hard place to go. I just worry about the injuries. If he can get some back, great.
“But if he has to go with this squad for the next four weeks, I feel for them. The Champions League is very demanding. It will be interesting to see how the players’ fitness lasts over the next few weeks.”
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