Jonjo Shelvey has opened up on his recent injury issues and admits it was a tough decision to take an extended break.
The 26-year-old’s season has been hampered by a niggling thigh issue, restricting him to just 12 appearances, the last of which came at the start of January in the FA Cup third-round tie against Blackburn Rovers.
The ex-Swansea midfielder and the club’s medical staff decided after that game that he needed a prolonged spell of treatment and he has been taking regular trips to Barcelona to see a specialist about the issue.
The Magpies are hopeful Shelvey could return for their next Premier League game against Huddersfield Town on February 23.
Shelvey has not commented on how far along he is with his recovery but has taken part in training with the rest of the squad in Murica this week and says it hasn’t been easy watching from the sidelines as Newcastle battle against relegation.
Shelvey said: “I went away in the summer and got myself even fitter to be honest with you and came back to pre-season and then that happens.
“You’re in and out and it’s hard to get that momentum, to manage the pain. “I was literally just hobbling around the pitch and I can’t give the best account of myself for this football club and for myself so I needed to take the time off.
“It’s been hard and the manager said to me to just nip it in the bud and get it sorted but I just wanted to keep playing and playing and playing. “I eventually learnt my lesson to nip it in the bud and it’s been six weeks now since I kicked a football.
“Coming out here and starting to re-integrate with the team just brings a smile to your face.”
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