LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United us blocked by Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Matt Ritchie is working his way back from a leg injury, but will there be a starting spot waiting for him at Newcastle United?

In Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Leicester City in August, the club lost more than a match. 30-year-old Matt Ritchie suffered a serious ankle injury that has kept him out of action since and required surgery this week. The indication is that he could return to training soon and match action not long after. But when he’s ready, will he find himself a consistent starter?

A winger by nature, Ritchie has occupied a left wing-back position for the past couple of years. Since his injury, that spot has been primarily occupied by loanee Jetro Willems. The Dutch international has been one of the consistently positive performers for Steve Bruce and I find it hard to believe that he would be moved to the bench.

Willems is a natural defender while Ritchie is a converted attacking player. He has one goal and one assist in five EPL appearances while Ritchie had neither a goal or assist in his three league appearances before his injury.

I don’t think Ritchie should find himself frozen out of the rotation because he is a gifted crosser and a high-motor player that demands a lot from his teammates. For me, the best solution could be making him a super substitute. I offered this suggestion last season, but with Willems thriving at left wing-back, Ritchie’s energy could come off the bench at that position, on the wing, or even in central midfield. Currently, Steve Bruce does not have a lot of punch coming off the bench and Ritchie could help correct that when he’s fit.