'That's what I'm aiming for': Matt Targett has now outlined his immediate goal after injury hell

Matt Targett made fewer appearances for Newcastle United last season than Sandro Tonali who was handed a 10-month ban early on in the season.

Indeed, since making his loan move from Aston Villa permanent, the 28-year-old has made just 26 appearances in two seasons due to a string of injuries.

It feels harsh to criticise Targett for that as he can't help it that his body is made of toothpicks and dry Weetabix, but given that he cost the club £15 million in total and he earns £100k-a-week according to Capology, he's hardly earned himself much good faith either.

It's especially annoying when you remember how good he was during that half-season loan spell in the Eddie Howe miracle months.

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Targett wants to take Sandro Tonali's comeback glory

There's a belief that Targett could be moved on before the transfer window closes, potentially on loan with four Premier League sides keen to take the left-back on for a season.

However, Targett spoke to NUFC TV yesterday after turning out for the Newcastle U21s against Sunderland alongside Kieran Trippier, and it seems Targett has his sights set on the Carabao Cup fixture against Nottingham Forest.

“We have a couple of big days next week. It will be important to carry on building on my fitness and hopefully look forward to the cup game.

“But obviously Bournemouth is first so we’ll focus on that and then I can try and be available for the cup.”

“That’s what I’m aiming for [to return in the Carabao Cup]. Hopefully, it can be an injury-free season.”

We'd love an injury-free season for Targett but at the same time - do we need him now?

If Targett remains at the club for the Forest game then we expect he will likely play a part, but his comeback will definitely be overshadowed by that of Sandro Tonali who is also in line to make his return to the pitch after his suspension ends the night before.

We'd love nothing more than for Targett to have an injury-free season and if he could regain that form from the back end of the 2021/22 season that would be incredible, but ideally, we'd prefer to see his £100k-a-week shifted off the wage bill.

The truth is, we've managed without him for two seasons, we can continue to manage going forward.