Injury update as huge star spotted with leg strapped up after Newcastle United's latest pre-season defeat
Newcastle United have suffered a few injury setbacks in pre-season, as is to be expected when players aren't quite at full fitness and are expected to play in testing conditions.
The fact that Newcastle have been playing in stifling humidity in Asia has added an extra level of challenge to their pre-season preparations, and while in the long term it's probably a good thing as it will get their fitness levels up quicker, in the short term, there have been issues.
We all know about the horrendous thigh injury that has kept Alexander Isak out of the pre-season tour of Asia, but he's not the only casualty.
Sven Botman limped off in the game against Arsenal and subsequently missed yesterday's defeat to Team K-League. However, the Dutchman, who missed a lot of football in the last 16 months through injury, has remained in Korea, and could still play a part in the game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Joe Willock's injury wasn't as bad as it looked
During yesterday's game, Joe Willock went to ground late in the game and looked to be in agony with an ankle problem, which ultimately led to him being stretchered off.
After the game, Eddie Howe said that the injury wasn't as bad as first feared, and indeed, Willock was seen boarding the team bus rather than heading for treatment.
However, The Chronicle has reported that Sandro Tonali was spotted with his left leg strapped up after the gam,e suggesting he may now have an issue.
We should get a clearer picture of the injury situation tomorrow
Eddie Howe is set to face the media tomorrow ahead of Sunday's game, and Sandro Tonali is expected to be beside him after Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn have previously.
Having played the majority of the game yesterday, we doubt that Tonali would be starting against Spurs anyway, but we should find out tomorrow what the extent of his injury is.
For now it seems like Newcastle are managing to hang on and there are no major injury worries, apart from that horrific thigh injury to our number 14, obviously. Thoughts and prayers.
