The 21-year-old has not hit the ground running on Tyneside but Matthias Jaissle feels the best is yet to come

Matthias Jaissle has revealed that Matias Fernandez-Pardo has been struggling with a sickness bug that forced him off the pitch on Saturday night against Aston Villa.

The £51million man went straight down the tunnel during the defeat against Villa after being fielded in a wide right position and taken out of the firing line as centre-forward. Fernandez-Pardo is yet to score since signing from Lille in the summer with Newcastle's tactical struggles compounding his start to life in a black and white shirt.

But Jaissle said: "During the match he was not feeling 100%. He has been suffering with a sickness feeling. So you also need to consider that."

Jaissle also dropped a big hint that Fernandez-Pardo could get more opportunities out wide in the future, he added: "In general, especially in the first 30 minutes he used his strength on the wing. It is an element we can use more often for sure."

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Jaissle had tried to boost Fernandez-Pardo's confidence in the build-up to the game by insisting he was flying in training. But despite a bright and breezy first 20 minutes on Saturday, the player sunk without a trace as things got tough against Unai Emery's side.

Speaking last week Jaissle said: "He's really top (confidence-wise). We are convinced that it's just a matter of time. I watched him today in the session, when he got a couple of more finishes. Pure class.

"I have full conviction he will perform again on a good level and hopefully he will get the rewards."

When signing for Newcastle back in September, Fernandez-Pardo had stated: "In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come so I didn't hesitate at all.

"I know the club, I know about the stadium, I know it's a fantastic atmosphere. I've followed the team. What I've seen is a team that's very ambitious, wants to attack, get forward, really chase teams and go after them, and that's really something I want to take part in as well.

"I'm still young, I'm still hungry, and that's why I'm here, and I want to make that progress with Newcastle. I can't wait to start the wonderful adventure here."

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