Newcastle United midfielder set to miss Liverpool clash as he continues his fight for full fitness

Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley is set to miss Wednesday's game against Liverpool as he looks to get back to full fitness.

The 18-year-old spent an extended period of time on the side lines due to a back injury. He was one of many Newcastle players plagued with injury woes. He started this season with a metatarsal fracture which kept him out of the squad until November.

Miley had his coming out party last season playing in 26 games in all competitions including three appearances in the Champions League.

Miley has made one appearance for the Magpies this season coming on deep into stoppage time in the 2-0 win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

While his return to the squad could be nearing, it is all but confirmed that it won't be against Liverpool.

Image: Getty

Lewis Miley features for Newcastle United Under-21's

Miley played the full 90 minutes in Tuesday nights 3-2 defeat to Boston United in the National League cup. His first full outing since his injury.

Lining up alongside him was Isaac Hayden, a player not in Howe's plans who has seemingly been banished from the first team picture.

On social media platform X, some fans were wondering why he has returned back to the youth team. It's simple when you look at the period of time he has been out it was a given that he would need to build his match fitness back up.

There wouldn't be much chance of him doing that in the first team with Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock ahead of him.

Miley has still been on the bench in five games this season but as other players are returning he keeps going further down the pecking order. His involvement in Tuesday's game means it's highly likely that he won't be involved in any way for the game against Liverpool.

Newcastle United defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are nearing their returns from injury

Toon defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have missed a large chunk of football after sustaining anterior cruciate ligament injuries in March.

While Lascelles isn't as much of a key player it has been tough for Toon boss Eddie Howe to cope at times with the lack of depth. Times like these are where you need someone like him to help out.

Botman is considered a 'Rolls Royce' of a defender by fans and players for his fine performances in the 2022/23 season. The pair are now edging closer to a return with Botman back on the grass and Lascelles was recently snapped in the gym.

Botman was part of the defence that conceded the least goals in the Premier League - Newcastle's defence hasn't been leaky at all this season but it still looks shaky at times. Botman is the player that comes in to stabilise things.