Newcastle United may have picked up their first injury concern in their pre-season friendly against 1860 Munich on Friday.
Eddie Howe’s men kicked off their first of their friendlies in Austria against the German side which saw Joe Willock suffer an injury inside the first half.
Stefan Lex was the player who put in the heavy challenge on the 22-year-old who has now made 45 appearances and netted 10 goals for Newcastle.
According to the reliable Toon correspondent, Lee Ryder, Willock collided with one of the opposition players which saw the club doctor forced to treat the midfielder on the pitch: “Willock collided with Lex and the team doctor is on the field,” he tweeted.
Willock was able to carry on after the challenge, however, it was apparent it was an issue which may be worth keeping an eye on given the reaction of Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles.
TIF Thoughts on Ryder’s comments…
Injuries are the last thing which Howe will want this summer, especially in the first of their pre-season games in Austria where the hope will be players can battle it out for a starting spot against Nottingham Forest.
Should Willock start against Forest next month?
Yes
No
And for Willock, in particular, the midfielder will be hoping for a solid pre-season after what was a fairly underwhelming first season on Tyneside after signing permanently.
Willock’s initial loan spell with the Toon set the expectations sky high, however, he is yet to show any signs of matching those numbers at St. James’ Park so he’ll be hoping a big campaign will be ahead.