Newcastle United duo Paul Dummett and Jacob Murphy have both suffered injury blows which will keep them out of the club’s pre-season friendly with St Partick’s Athletic on Tuesday evening, according to reliable journalist Lee Ryder.
The Chronicle writer, a reputable source of information surrounding events at St James’ Park, claims on his personal Twitter account that the pair have picked up knocks and they will not be risked in the clash over in Dublin.
Jacob Murphy and Paul Dummett will sit out tonight's game with knocks. Only two keepers will get a run out and there will be a clutch of younger players also involved. Likely to see Longstaff and Roberts at some stage. #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) July 17, 2018
Newcastle born left back Dummett is a firm favourite of Rafael Benitez, while Murphy was a regular in and around the first team for much of last season after making the move from Norwich City last summer.
Opinion
It will be a shame for Benitez, the two players and the fans watching on that the senior pair are missing from action for the first pre-season kick about of the summer. Barring any new arrivals or fresh injury blows, Dummett is almost certainly going to be starting the clash with Tottenham on the opening day of the Premier League season, and the Spanish boss would want to make sure he is at full fitness for when the Lilywhites head to town. As for Murphy, he has a lot to prove this summer after a frustrating first campaign at St James’ Park, and he needs all the game time he can get to prove to Benitez that he is worthy of a first team spot. Missing out on what will likely be a confidence boosting clash for the Magpies will not help his cause at all, and he needs to make sure he is ready for action over the coming weeks, or face being forgotten about as the season draws closer.