Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has, on Friday, opened up on the ongoing absence of Ryan Fraser from the club’s first-team squad.
Wide-man Fraser, of course, has endured something of a nightmare campaign to date.
After playing a central role for the Magpies last time out, to the tune of 27 Premier League appearances, the former Bournemouth standout has since followed up with just eight outings thus far this term.
Ryan Fraser’s impressive form continues! 🔥🙌 pic.twitter.com/VtDQTuvJe5
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 5, 2022
Not only that, but his last sighting in Newcastle colours came all the way back in October, off the bench en route to victory over Everton.
Speaking to the media on Friday ahead of his side’s weekend showdown with Manchester City, the subject of Fraser’s precarious situation on Tyneside was therefore put to boss Eddie Howe once more.
And the tactician went on to reveal that, for the time being, his out-of-favour attacker has been banished from first-team duties.
“Ryan’s training with the Under-21s,” Howe began. “I made the decision to concentrate on players that are committed to Newcastle. For the benefit of the group, I’ve made that call.”
Pressed on the chances of Fraser being reintegrated into Newcastle’s senior setup, Howe went on to add:
“I think it’s a difficult one for me to answer. Because I’ve never put a firm decision on that because life can change quickly. At the moment he doesn’t.”
ICYMI Ryan Fraser banished to Newcastle U21s as Eddie Howe wants ‘committed’ players #nufc https://t.co/Brgbssz1Rb #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) March 3, 2023
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