Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has explained why he substituted Harvey Barnes at half-time during the 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Everton, with the winger having been the team's standout performer in the opening period.
Barnes was Newcastle's most effective player in the first half at Hill Dickinson Stadium, yet he was withdrawn during the interval while Jacob Murphy remained on the pitch. Anthony Elanga came off the bench to gain valuable minutes as Jaissle prepares for a rematch against the Toffees on Monday.
Rotation ahead of Monday's meeting
Jaissle pointed to the quick turnaround and the need to manage returning players when explaining the decision.
"There are many aspects in consideration. We have players coming back from injuries, so we need to give people game time so that they can bring fresh energy," Jaissle said. "In the game, Harvey was doing well in the first half, but of course we also play on Monday again, so it is something you need to bear in mind."
Injury concerns mount for Newcastle
Newcastle will assess William Osula's ankle injury after the striker limped off following a challenge from James Tarkowski in the cup tie. Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Lewis Miley are also receiving treatment as Jaissle weighs up their availability.
"Hopefully they can make progress in the next few days to be able to make it in the squad, but right now I cannot update you," he added.
Osula had only recently returned from a foot injury sustained in the opening-day match against Liverpool, making his comeback against Coventry City. He scored on his first start as Newcastle beat Crystal Palace 2-0 but managed just seven touches against Everton before going off with a knock.
If Osula and Fernandez-Pardo are unavailable, Jaissle may turn to Yoane Wissa as the lone striker on Monday, meaning the preferred frontline of Barnes, Osula and Elanga could be delayed once more.
