Newcastle United injuries: Eddie Howe has provided an update on Lewis Miley’s mysterious injury that has kept him out for almost a month.
The 19-year-old suffered what was initially diagnosed as a dead leg during Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last month.
The problem, which left him unable to bend his knee properly, was initially thought to be minor as Miley travelled to Liverpool in the following match and was named among the substitutes.
But the versatile midfielder didn’t get on the pitch at Anfield and hasn’t been seen in a matchday squad or in full training since.
Including the Liverpool match and the upcoming visit to Manchester City, Miley has missed seven games for Newcastle. He is also likely to miss the Champions League second leg match against Qarabag next week.
While Miley has had to deal with his fair share of injury problems since breaking into the first team, his latest blow has been a subject of much discussion given the mystery surrounding it and the initial diagnosis of a ‘dead leg’, which is often a very short term issue.
It’s also been a big blow for Eddie Howe’s side given Miley’s importance playing in a number of positions. Miley had been playing at right-back in the absence of Tino Livramento and excelled, he was also breifly deployed in a centre-back role having played the position in training.
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Lewis Miley injury update
Miley’s versatility, ability and the fact he doesn’t take up a place in Newcastle’s Premier League or Champions League squads due to his age, make him one of the most useful players at Howe’s disposal when fit.
His absence has seen Kieran Trippier start consistently at right-back during a busy run of fixtures. But Howe has teased that Miley is nearing a return.
“Without going into too much medical stuff, which is beyond me, it was a dead leg, so that was factually correct, but I think it disturbed a bit of the muscle,” the Newcastle boss explained.
“Again, I don't think he's too far away. Nothing more than a week, a couple of weeks maximum. But I think we've been told that we've got to be careful with it.”
NUFC injury list
In addition to Miley, Newcastle will also be without Yoane Wissa, Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth against Manchester City on Saturday.
Sven Botman is a doubt for the game after missing the last two with a back issue but Howe has suggested the Dutchman could make his return to the matchday squad this weekend.
“Hopefully, good news or better news on Sven Botman,” Howe said. “He could be in and around this game, and Lewy Miley’s still got a little bit to go.”
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