Training Camp and Practice Match
Newcastle United spent last week training at Adidas HQ, culminating in a behind-closed-doors practice match against German third-tier side Unterhaching. The match ended 3-1 in favor of Newcastle, with Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, and Alexander Isak scoring in the first half. Head coach Eddie Howe rotated his squad in the second half, featuring six players making their first-team debut, including new signing Odysseas Vlachodimos.
First-Half Performance
Newcastle’s starting line-up included familiar faces such as Nick Pope, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn, and Lewis Hall. Jamal Lewis returned to the team following a loan spell at Watford. Midfielders Murphy, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff, Joe White, and forwards Barnes and Isak completed the line-up.
Second-Half Changes and Young Talents
For the second half, a younger side took the field, captained by 19-year-old Ben Parkinson. New signing Vlachodimos played his first match in goal for Newcastle. Other young players included Jamie Miley, Ellis Stanton, Jay Turner-Cooke, Garang Kuol, Leo Shahar, Trevan Sanusi, Johnny Emerson, Cathan Heffernan, and Alfie Harrison.
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Key Absentees and Injury Updates
Several first-team players were missing from the match. Martin Dubravka, Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon, Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes, and Miguel Almiron have yet to return from international duties. Others sidelined due to injuries or fitness issues include:
- Sandro Tonali: Unable to feature due to his 10-month betting ban.
- Sven Botman: Recovering from an ACL injury, on course to return later this year.
- Jamaal Lascelles: Also out with an ACL injury, doing light gym work.
- Callum Wilson: Ruled out due to a back problem, seeing a specialist.
- Matt Targett: Recovering from an Achilles issue.
- Tino Livramento: Getting back to fitness after an ankle issue.
- Lloyd Kelly: Missed training but traveled to Germany.
- John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie: Not expected to feature in first-team matches.
- Joe Willock: Recovering from a recurring Achilles issue.
- Lewis Miley: Fractured metatarsal ruling him out for the opening weeks.
- Alex Murphy and Harrison Ashby: Both traveled but did not feature.
Upcoming Fixtures
Newcastle will next face Burnley in a training ground friendly before traveling to play Hull City on Saturday. They will then head to Japan for matches against Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F. Marinos. Newcastle will also host the Sela Weekender at St James’ Park, facing Girona and Stade Brestois.