Newcastle United taps academy players to boost training squad ahead of Saturday’s Man City showdown.
Newcastle faces several injury concerns ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester City. Dan Burn (groin), Sven Botman (knee), Joelinton (knee), Harvey Barnes (thigh), and Jamaal Lascelles (knee) are all dealing with issues. Anthony Gordon, who missed last Saturday’s 3-2 FA Cup win at Birmingham City due to a thigh injury, is expected to return for the Etihad Stadium match (3 p.m. kick-off). Gordon was seen in training at Darsley Park on Wednesday, hinting at his fitness ahead of the match.
Eddie Howe commented on Gordon’s status after the Birmingham game, saying, “We hope [he’ll be back at Man City]. We’ve treated the cups the same for the past few years. Everyone that’s fit we will take. So he’s not here [at Birmingham], which means he’s obviously got a problem.” Newcastle is currently tied with Man City on points and goal difference, sitting just below them in sixth due to City’s superior goals scored.
After two positive cup results, Newcastle aims to regain momentum in the Premier League, having lost two of their last three league games. The Magpies haven’t won an away match at the Etihad Stadium since 2014.
In preparation, Newcastle called up academy players to bolster their training squad. Wednesday’s training featured three Under-21 players: 17-year-old right-back Leo Shahar, 21-year-old midfielder Jay Turner-Cooke, and 17-year-old forward Sean Neave. Neave was on the bench for the FA Cup win at Birmingham, while Shahar and Turner-Cooke have played in friendlies but are yet to make competitive senior debuts.
Shahar signed his first professional contract last season, and Turner-Cooke’s deal is set to expire at the end of the season. Their call-ups come amid squad depth challenges for Howe, with the injuries and the recent departures of Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly during the winter transfer window depleting the team ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
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