Dan Gosling On The Plane To Kharkiv.

DAN GOSLING was included in the Newcastle United squad that flew out to Kharkiv this morning – but there was no place for Hatem Ben Arfa.

The Frenchman has just returned to training and United aren’t keen to rush him back.
As reported in tonight’s Chronicle, Ben Arfa must prove his fitness for the Southampton game and the clash at Swansea next month could be a more realistic aim.

But United took a strong squad to the Ukraine today including Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse, Moussa Sissoko, Fabricio Coloccini, Cheick Tiote and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

United will arrive here in Kharkiv at around 3pm local time before attending the compulsory UEFA Press conference.

Gosling has been missing with an ankle injury since last autumn.

UNITED: Krul, Elliot, Yanga-Mbiwa, Simpson, Coloccini, S Taylor, Perch, Tiote, Cisse, Marveaux, Haidara, Obertan, Gosling, Sissoko, Bigirimana, Anita, Cabaye, Jonas, Ameobi.

 

I'm glad Gosling has gone instead of Ben Arfa. Both are just back from injury and I'd be a hell of a lot more annoyed if Hatem were to become injured again than if it were to happy to Gosling.

 

The league has to be our main concern and saving HBA for that is just common sense.

If we get a result in Kharkiv fine, but we've got to get our priorities right.

 

Gosling might be there to spare Cabaye if certain circumstances occur. Say we get a couple goals and look confortable. Switch out Cabaye before he gets booked so he isn't banned for the next round. Or even if we're getting dicked on, take out Cabs so he doesn't get himself injured. Same could be said for Tiote or Sissoko too I suppose

 

Id bring gosling on at half time if we are winning or drawing 1-1.

 

Keeping the 'A' team fit is all important, we've got a tough game against Southampton on Sunday and three points will take a bit of pressure off.

 

Gosling has a chance of getting injured just getting warm up and down the line.

 

It's a bit harsh sending someone to exile in Ukraine, but I think it's best for all concerned if we "lose" Dan's passport and he gets stuck there...

 

Jeez, great minds really do think alike, Gandalf, I was just about to say the very same thing myself.
Dan Gosling on the plane to Kharkiv, hopefully with a one-way ticket.

 

Did quite well without him.