The absence of former Chelsea left-back Lewis Hall underlines some of the gaps in Eddie Howe's squad
Newcastle United's England internationals - Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento [L to R]
Newcastle United's England internationals - Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento [L to R]
(Image: IAIN BUIST)
Newcastle United star Lewis Hall will miss the first part of pre-season as he recovers from a foot injury.
With England Under-21 star Tino Livramento set to be granted extra holiday after playing his part in the Three Lions' run to the Euro 2025 final, Newcastle could be left short-handed for the clash against Celtic. It remains to be seen whether Matt Targett will still be at Newcastle but he will be the obvious choice for the Parkhead clash on July 19.
Another option is Republic of Ireland youth international Alex Murphy who spent time on loan at Bolton Wanderers last term. Murphy is keen to impress head coach Eddie Howe after getting limited opportunities to impress in the last couple of years.
Hall is hoping to be back in action in time for the latter part of pre-season, but even before a ball is kicked in the Premier League, Newcastle's squad size could be exposed this summer in certain areas. With a decision on Callum Wilson not announced by the club and William Osula also granted extra time off because of international duties with Denmark U21s, the frontline is also looking light.
A Newcastle statement read: "Hall still has a lot of work to do before he returns to competitive action but he is hoping to resume full training towards the end of pre-season, and to be in contention for the opening fixtures of the new campaign."
And the left-sided ace told the club website: "For me, my aim is to be fit and ready to go for the first game of the season, but to do that, I'd like to have a few pre-season games as well beforehand."
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