Eustace out for a couple of months!

[hantsram]

Knee operation required on cartilage.

McClaren: "He'll be a big loss. We hope he'll be back for the run-in".

This is bad, bad news

[hantsram]

McClaren: Thorne about 4 weeks away from match fitness.

[eddy779h34]

No panic

Good chance to try 4-4-2
or Bryson Hendrick Hughes
or Mascarell can do it as we've seen

[CalumDCFC]

Don't forget Shotton and Coutts who are also options in that position. Obviously Omar is the first option to replace Eustace but our strength in depth means this is nothing much to worry ourselves about. Of course the 3 of Bryson, Jeff and Hughes is tried and tested too as mentioned above

[Manofpride]

Eustace gives our defenders more protection than Mascarell, this is IMO a big loss!

[Ramfantastic]

Yes big enough loss to dip into the loan market, Jon Obi Mikel never plays in league games, couldn't Steve have a word with Jose?
Seriously though this could be massive, Mascarell isn't good/tough enough for certain games so we need a credible alternative or change to 442 which I would not wish to do at this stage of the season.

[hantsram]

Eustace gives our defenders more protection than Mascarell, this is IMO a big loss!

Exactly. It's no coincidence that we have gone 4 games without conceding a goal.

[D_D]

Whilst this is a blow, I don't think it's the end of the world, the main reason being George Thorne.

He's back in 4 weeks.

If you look at the fixtures, we have 5 league games between now and when we play Rotherham away. None of the teams we face are what you'd describe as "physical", with Rotherham being the exception. Even so, against Rotherham, we should have the quality to simply outplay them anyway.

I think Omar will prove effective in the CDM role until George's return. Yes, Eustace was in great form, as was the team with him in it, BUT, we played some excellent football with Mascarell in the team too, including keeping 6 clean sheets.

Losing Ibe on the other hand, would be a massive blow.

[hantsram]

I just read that Stephen Warnock started his career as a defensive midfielder. I wonder if that is an option for the next 2 months too.
The more I think about it, the more I like it. Leeds captain, old head, middle of the park. Worth a shot I'd say.

[swaledale]

I have faith in Omar!!