Newcastle United manager provides Jonjo Shelvey injury update
The pre-season friendly against Benfica was not a good one for Newcastle United, all things considered. Yes, there were some bright spots, like Miguel Almiron scoring a brace and Kieran Trippier assisting both those goals, but ultimately, the Magpies ended up losing 3-2 against the Eagles.
Results barely matter in pre-season though. The bigger worry for Newcastle United was the fact that Jonjo Shelvey picked up an injury, in what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
Shelvey has been one of Newcastle United’s bright spots this pre-season and he is one of the club’s key players. Thus, with the Premier League campaign not far away, Eddie Howe has been handed a major headache.
The extent of Shelvey’s injury does not appear to be known yet and one can only hope that it is not serious. As reported by The Northern Echo, Howe said about the Newcastle United star’s situation:
"“It looked like a hamstring problem. I don’t know whether it’s a strain or whether it’s cramp or what it is at this moment, we hope it’s not serious.“He’s worked really hard to get himself in a really good physical condition. That would be a huge blow for him and for us.”"
Newcastle United handed Shelvey injury worry even before Premier League season has started
It goes without saying that the situation is far from ideal for Newcastle United, who surely would not have wanted to start the season with doubts over the fitness of Shelvey.
Hamstring injuries are tricky and they can keep a player out for a week, or send him to the sidelines for months. One cannot only hope that Shelvey has managed to escape with a minor issue and will be back on the pitch as soon as possible.
The start will be important for Newcastle United, who will be looking to improve upon their 11th place finish in the Premier League from last season and would surely be hoping to push the traditional Big Six for the European qualification spots as well, if they can find their form. If they are to do that, someone like Shelvey could have an important role to play.