Jacob Murphy has revealed an injury he picked up, as he and teammate Nick Pope helped start the Great North Run. Encouraging the thousands of runners, the pair set off this year’s half marathon.
Posting on Instagram, Murphy added a photo of his swollen hand following the thousands of high fives given out to runners as they passed the start line.
Murphy said, “An absolute honour & privilege to be an official starter of the @great_run! Super day to be involved in, I hope everyone ran a great race.”
“Enjoy the cheat meals and drinks, you’ve earned it! I’m icing my hand for the foreseeable.”
Eddie Howe will be hoping Murphy’s minor injury is nothing to worry about with a busy schedule ahead for Newcastle, with games in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup to come.
Murphy, who scored an important free kick in a 1-1 draw away at Molyneux in 2020, will hope to be fighting fit as the Magpies welcome Wolves to St James’ on Saturday.
The 30-year-old has been a crucial part of the Magpies’ success over the last few years. The former Norwich man played 41 times in all competitions last season, scoring 9 goals and assisting 14.
Perhaps his most notable contribution was the assist for Alexander Isak in the Cup Final, ending the long wait for silverware.
However, he has found himself facing increased competition for the right-wing spot this season following the arrival of Anthony Elanga. Murphy has started on the bench in two of United’s matches so far this season, although he did make the starting 11 in the last match against Leeds.
The winger was also the topic of conversation after making a jibe towards Sunderland fans who were participating in the event.
Speaking live on the BBC, he joked, “I’m looking forward to seeing all the people; I’ve seen a lot of Newcastle fans so far. Even some from across the river… Boo.” A comment which has gone down well with Toon fans.
“Last time I saw Newcastle this busy was when we had the parade,” Murphy added, donning his Cup winner’s medal.
Around 60,000 runners took part in this year’s Great North Run. The run, which stretches from Newcastle to South Shields, raises millions of pounds for charities across the nation each year.
One famous Toon fan who completed the race was former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, running an impressive time of 2:09:57.
