Eddie Howe looks to have a problem on his hands with Newcastle United waiting on the extent of Joe Willock's injury
Douglas Luiz before a Juventus game
Douglas Luiz could be an option for Newcastle(Image: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Newcastle United have suffered their latest injury blow at the worst possible time - on the eve of the new Premier League campaign.
Two weekends from now, Eddie Howe's team begin their season with a trip to Aston Villa scheduled. It is therefore unfortunate following good personal progress over the summer that midfielder Joe Willock will begin the campaign in the treatment room, unable to get involved until an ankle issue is overcome.
The 25-year-old's latest problem was the result of a knock in the 1-0 friendly defeat to the K-League XI on Wednesday night. Fears of a serious injury have been eased following initial testing, though Newcastle are still going to be a man down heading into 2025/26 and it looks as if it is going to remain that way until September at the very soonest.
So, the Magpies are left with only one way to remedy the situation - by dipping into the transfer market. Forward signings are the utmost priority at St. James' Park, but there are situations of certain players considering their future that Newcastle could yet use to their advantage in the wake of Willock's injury.
Douglas Luiz
If it is Premier League proven quality Newcastle want, then they could turn to Douglas Luiz as one option.
The Brazilian, 27, was a product of Manchester City's academy before moving to Aston Villa in 2019 and eventually becoming a core member of the squad Unai Emery coached to qualify for last season's Champions League via the Premier League's top four.
He then completed a €50 million (£42m) switch to Juventus last year, but has only spent one season in Italy before a reported breakdown of his relationship with the club.
The website Football Italia suggests agent Kia Joorabchian is angling for a move back to the Premier League for his client with Nottingham Forest interested.
Juve are thought to be demanding £30m for the transfer.
Harvey Elliott
Although more an attacking midfielder compared to Willock's box-to-box qualities, the talent of a two-time Premier League winner is not to be disregarded.
Harvey Elliott currently finds himself in a tricky position at Liverpool with increased competition for places in Arne Slot's starting XI. It doesn't help his case that one of the new faces, Florian Wirtz, is the club's £116m British transfer record signing.
Bluntly put this pre-season, Elliott has told the Liverpool ECHO and other media members: "If I had it my way I would be here for the rest of my career, it's as simple as that.
"I love everything about the club, but at the same time I kind of need to be selfish and see what's best for me. I have big ambitions. I want to get in the World Cup squad.
"I want to keep being successful as a player. It's something I still need to review. I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation. we have many new players who have come in so whether it blocks the path for me I'm not sure.
"It's something I need to have a look at and decide."
Newcastle could offer the 22-year-old a chance at regular Premier League football and when Willock returns they would have themselves a versatile individual capable of supplementing the attack if required to do so.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Now for the value-for money-option, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Another former Premier League winner with Liverpool, the 31-year-old now finds himself without a club.
This scenario has come about after Turkish club Besiktas decided to terminate his contract following two years together, one before the deal was set to expire.
Oxlade-Chamberlain's name may have lit St. James' Park up several years ago, hardly so nowadays, but his arrival would certainly be a means to an end. As we know, Willock is not out for the long-term and this just offers a temporary solution.
When the 25-year-old returns, Howe will have a squad player in Oxlade-Chamberlain who brings with him vast experience of domestic and European football. He is also a Champions League winner.
By managing his minutes and avoiding injury the veteran could prove a real asset back in England.
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