Newcastle have been boosted by the return of Miguel Almiron, with the Paraguayan back in training for the first time since returning from an extended summer break and in contention to feature against Norwich City tomorrow.
Elsewhere, the club have confirmed that Jonjo Shelvey, Karl Darlow and Javier Manquillo all took part in training sessions at Benton yesterday after injury and illness has seen all three miss almost all of our pre-season friendlies so far this summer.
Darlow is on the road to recovery following a bad bout of COVID, however two players who were nowhere to be seen in Thursday’s training pictures are Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson.
The Frenchman has been ‘ill’ since he featured in last month’s 3-2 win over Doncaster, while Wilson has missed our last two pre-season clashes with Burton and Burnley after Bruce revealed he had a ‘minor’ hamstring problem.
Earlier this week, he seemed hopeful that both would be fine to play in tomorrow’s friendly with Norwich at St James’ Park, but the fact both haven’t trained just two days before the game suggests they’re still struggling.
Hopefully a clearer update arrives soon, however there’s now fears the pair are facing a race against time to be fit enough to start next Sunday’s Premier League opener against West Ham.
I’m not holding my breath, but let’s hope this reminds the club that signing another striker is absolutely essential, with Dwight Gayle currently the only fit centre forward available following exits for Andy Carroll and Yoshinori Muto.
Could go either way without ASM & Wilson.
Lose & it highlights the need for cover – for Wilson especially.
But win & there is absolutely no chance (not that there was much of one to start with) we would strengthen.
Sharpy17(Quote)