Joe Willock
NEWEngland
Right
Aug 20, 1999
26
5'10"
157 lb
CM
LW
Box-to-Box
NewcastleFit for bench
Willock (thigh) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Barcelona.
Analysis: Willock was likely to be an option Wednesday, and that has come to fruition, with the midfielder fit from the bench. He will likely remain a rotational option from the bench as the club continues to regain fit midfielders, still missing Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring) for the time being.
Traveling, should be option
Willock (thigh) has traveled with the team and is likely for Wednesday's match against Barcelona, according to manager Eddie Howe. "Joe Willock has travelled with us, and we'll have a look at him in training today, fingers crossed he'll be fine."
Analysis: Willock is looking to be an option moving forward after a thigh injury last outing, with the midfielder already traveling for UCL play. This is solid news as they continue without Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring) and Lewis Miley (leg), gaining back another midfield option. That said, he could be a starter to begin the game, with Jacob Ramsey his likely replacement.
Assists prior to injury
Willock (thigh) assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 win versus Chelsea. He was subbed off due to injury in the 77th minute. "I don't know 100 per cent how he is. I've not had time to sit with him and discuss it."
Analysis: Willock provided an assist for the only goal in Saturday's clash before a seeming thigh issue forced him off. It's an awful turn for the midfielder, who has been consistently held back by injuries. He was excellent before coming off and could have had another assist with better finishing in front of him. He's in doubt for Wednesday's trip to Barcelona.
Two shots, no goal
Willock recorded two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus Manchester City. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 48th minute.
Analysis: Willock would start Saturday as the club continues to gain back options in the midfield from injury, a sixth start in their past seven games, his only league starts of the season. He would record two shots in the loss but was unable to find the back of the net, still without a goal contribution in league play.
Finds equalizer with header
Willock scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Paris Saint-Germain.
Analysis: Willock delivered a solid two-way performance against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, scoring with a header late in the first half from a headed assist by Dan Burn, while also contributing defensively with two tackles and a season-high three interceptions. The midfielder has mainly been used off the bench this season, starting just four of his 17 appearances, and should remain a backup option to Joelinton moving forward.
Five shots in defeat
Willock generated five shots (two on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat versus Marseille. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 20th minute.
Analysis: Willock was the surprise inclusion in the starting XI for Wednesday's clash at the Velodrome and was key to Newcastle's best attacking moments on the counters. In the first half he threaded a through ball that released Anthony Gordon forcing Geronimo Rulli into one of his better saves. Even after falling behind he kept carrying the ball out of pressure attempting five shots and creating three chances both season highs. This was Willock's second start of the season and the first one since late September. That said, the midfielder should remain only the back up option to Joelinton moving forward.
Four tackles in Vitality stalemate
Willock recorded four tackles (four won) and one interception in Sunday's 0-0 draw against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Willock put in a workmanlike shift in midfield Sunday, logging four tackles (tied for most in the match among Newcastle players), and drawing four fouls, showing his typical grit and pressing in a game where possession and attacking opportunities were scarce. He didn't deliver any shots on target, but helped recycle the ball in midfield. He tends to offer more fantasy value via defensive metrics rather than attacking returns.
Available off bench
Willock (calf) is on the bench for Monday's clash with Liverpool.
Analysis: Willock returns to the bench Monday after a calf injury sidelined him for the opener. The midfielder is a depth option when fit, available to play across the midfield and occasionally elsewhere. He is back sooner than expected after suffering a serious-appearing issue at the end of pre-season.
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