Sports
Newcastle Struggles with Injuries in Pre-Season Win
Newcastle United had a comfortable 2-0 victory against Hull in their first public friendly of the summer, but it left some fans worried about the team’s readiness for the new season.
This friendly came just a week after Newcastle defeated a lower-league German side, but it was noticeable that many key players were missing due to injuries or other commitments.
Eddie Howe‘s starting line-up was filled with five natural full-backs, highlighting the struggles the team is facing with injuries. This situation is reminiscent of the past when Newcastle had an abundance of left-backs.
Even though it was just the first pre-season friendly, having so many players out of their usual positions is concerning for Newcastle’s depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Alexander Isak stood out in the game, scoring one of the goals and displaying impressive sharpness after missing out on Euro 2024. His performance is particularly vital for Newcastle given their injury woes.
Jacob Murphy was also a key player, creating several dangerous crosses that resulted in Newcastle’s second goal. His ability to whip in quality balls from the right flank has been a highlight of his game.
After an hour of play, Howe made numerous substitutions, giving younger players a chance to show what they can do. But the squad looked thin with several first-team players unavailable due to various reasons.
Despite adding some players to the squad over the summer, most were not likely to be regular starters. Newcastle really needs to bolster their defence and find a right-winger to add depth as the season approaches.
With the transfer window still open, Newcastle fans are eagerly waiting to see how their club addresses these pressing needs before the Premier League kicks off on August 17.