Newcastle United star set to miss La Manga as Eddie Howe issues fresh squad update
Newcastle United star set to miss La Manga as Eddie Howe issues fresh squad update
Newcastle United injuries: William Osula and Sven Botman are fresh injury concerns for Newcastle after missing Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Gateshead.
Eddie Howe has explained the absences of Sven Botman and William Osula during Newcastle United’s 1-1 pre-season friendly draw at Gateshead on Saturday afternoon.
Both Botman and Osula played in Newcastle’s behind-closed-doors friendly win over Darlington the previous weekend but were rested for the short trip to Gateshead International Stadium. Lewis Miley, Tino Livramento and Joelinton also missed the match due to respective leg, calf and thigh injuries, along with new signing Aladji Bamba and the players who had previously been away at the 2026 World Cup.
When asked about the fresh absences, head coach Howe said: “Sven just took a little knock to the face yesterday in training, but we don’t think it’s anything too serious.”
William Osula.placeholder image
William Osula. | Getty Images
Sven Botman & William Osula out
Botman suffered a facial fracture in the 2-1 derby defeat against Sunderland back in March and was required to wear a protective mask upon his return to playing. Another blow to his face on the training pitch saw him rested for the Gateshead match.
With Osula unavailable while Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade remained away following the World Cup, Howe started academy forward Sean Neave up front against Gateshead. The teenager had a few opportunities in front of goal but was denied by Heed goalkeeper Adam Desbois.
Howe has played down Osula’s groin strain as ‘nothing serious’. The 22-year-old forward ended last season strongly for Newcastle with nine goals to his name and has been rewarded for his more prominent role in the side by being handed the No. 10 shirt ahead of the new season.
NUFC injury issues ‘nothing serious’
While Newcastle’s injured players remain a doubt for the trip to face Championship side Bristol City on Wednesday evening (7:30pm kick-off), Howe expects all but one of them back for the trip to La Manga in Spain, which will conclude with a friendly match against Valencia on August 8 (8pm kick-off).
Newcastle’s international players, including Bruno Guimaraes are also expected to make the trip.
“Will just had a tight groin, so again, nothing serious,” Howe continued. “We anticipate that all the injured players that we have are on a good track at the moment.
“They’re all looking like they’ll be back in and available around La Manga, maybe Tino Liveramento apart. So I think the squad’s in relatively good health.”
