Newcastle United injuries: Summer signing Vakhtang Salia is nearing a return from injury after an extended period on the sidelines.
Vakhtang Salia joined Newcastle United from Dinamo Tbilisi at the end of the summer transfer window.
Salia made 59 appearances for Dinamo Tbilisi before his 18th birthday, scoring eight goals. He arrived at Newcastle with plenty of promise, but is yet to make an impact so far due to an injury.
A hamstring injury scuppered any potential loan move that had been considered for Salia prior to his arrival on Tyneside and has also prevented him from featuring or training with Newcastle’s Under-21s side over the past five months.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Vakhtang Salia promising injury update
Former Newcastle Under-21s lead coach Adam Lawrence told The Gazette back in November that Salia would be out of action until early 2026.
“He is making good progress,” Lawrence said. “Everyone was devastated that he has come into the club and got the injury he picked up.
“I’ve not seen him on the pitch but he’s an outstanding young man around the training ground with how he conducts himself.
“I’m sure in his mind it’s been really tough for him but he hasn’t shown that. He’s stayed really positive.
“The medical and sports science team are looking towards the back end of December and into January for when he can start training with the group and building those levels of fitness - but we are taking it week-by-week.
“Without getting too carried away, he is on course and making good progress with his rehab and he has been really diligent in that way.”
And earlier this week, footage emerged showing Salia scoring goals on the training pitch with Newcastle’s Under-21s side, who are now being coached by Robbie Stockdale on an interim basis.
The footage was posted by Salia’s representatives ‘FreeFootballAgency’ on Instagram with the ‘back’ and ‘star eye’ emojis.
Salia shared the footage via his Instagram account as he closes in on making his first Newcastle appearance. Next up for the Young Magpies is a trip to face Arsenal Under-21s on Friday (7pm kick-off).
Vakhtang Salia in training.placeholder image
Vakhtang Salia in training. | Instagram
Vakhtang Salia on Newcastle United transfer
Speaking last year, Salia told the club website: “The first time I heard it [Newcastle were interested] I could not believe it. It was big news for me. It’s my dream to play [at St James’ Park] and I think it’s everyone’s dream to play there.”
Salia can play in a central striker role or out on the left, and views himself as a versatile attacking player.
“I don’t think I can play in just one position,” he added. “I can play more. Just let me play and I will prove it. I don’t like to think about me – I let other people talk about me.”
“It’s a big challenge for me and I have motivation to play outside of Georgia. I think it’s a move every professional player has to make to follow their dreams.
“I have to work more to come here. To go in Europe after Georgia is very difficult, I will have to exercise and work more.”
Continue Reading