Newcastle United’s preseason preparations have entered an important stage under Matthias Jaissle, with the new head coach preparing to take charge of his first game against Valencia while still waiting to work with several members of his senior squad.
Left-back Lewis Hall, however, won’t take part in the game later today. According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Hall has left Newcastle’s training camp in La Manga ahead of schedule and returned to Tyneside because of a reported minor injury.
Hall flew back on Friday alongside Fabian Schar and Lewis Miley, with all three set to miss Saturday’s friendly against Valencia.
“Sources with knowledge of the matter said Hall flew back from La Manga, where Newcastle have been training at a week-long camp, on Friday, along with Fabian Schar and Lewis Miley, who will also miss Saturday evening’s friendly against Valencia in Spain, Jaissle’s first game in charge,” Waugh reported.
On a positive note, there does not appear to be significant concern over Hall’s condition at this stage, and the defender’s departure is more of a precautionary measure than anything else. Newcastle says the trio is continuing fitness work at The Knox, while Waugh reports Hall is expected to train on Sunday.
“The trio are continuing fitness work at The Knox, Newcastle’s training centre, according to the club. Hall is set to train on Tyneside on Sunday and may return for Wednesday’s friendly against Everton at Murrayfield, in Edinburgh, or for one of the two practice matches at St James’ Park next weekend,” Waugh reported.
The timing nevertheless leaves Jaissle more than short at full-back. Fellow England international Tino Livramento is continuing his rehabilitation from injury, while Dan Burn has returned to Newcastle following the World Cup but has not yet joined the main squad.
Hall’s early departure from Spain also comes amid Manchester United’s interest in the 21-year-old, which will inevitable combine to add wood to the fire of yet another optential transfer, even though Newcastle has rejected an enquiry from Old Trafford and definitively informed Manchester United that Hall is not for sale.
Waugh reiterated in his report that Newcastle’s stance on that possible sale hasn’t changed, stating Newcastle remains “adamant the 21-year-old left-back is not for sale” and views Hall as an important part of Jaissle’s plans.
For now, the encouraging part is that Hall could return to action before Newcastle’s preseason schedule and before the start of the Premier League season on Aug. 23 against Liverpool.
How concerned are you about Newcastle’s lack of healthy full-backs this close to the new season? Should another defender now become an immediate transfer priority? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
