JUST IN: Newcastle United star ruled out of Premier League opener as midfield down to bare bones
Joe Willock Set to Miss Season Opener, but Newcastle Receive Injury Boost
Newcastle United have been handed a mixed update regarding midfielder Joe Willock, who will miss the Premier League’s opening fixture against Aston Villa. The 24-year-old suffered an injury during the Magpies’ 1-0 pre-season defeat to the K-League XI in Seoul, but early fears of a serious setback have now been eased.
Head coach Eddie Howe provided an update from South Korea, reassuring fans that Willock’s condition is not as grave as initially suspected. “Our first concern was that Joe may have suffered damage to his Achilles tendon, which could have ruled him out for a substantial period,” Howe explained. “Thankfully, scans and medical assessments have confirmed that it’s not an Achilles issue. Instead, he’s picked up a calf muscle injury.”
Although Willock will still face a spell on the sidelines, the prognosis is far more encouraging than feared. “It’s going to keep him out for a few weeks—right now the estimate is between four to six weeks,” Howe added. “While it’s a setback, it’s a relief compared to what we initially feared.”
The news means Willock is unlikely to feature again until early or mid-September, leaving Newcastle somewhat short of midfield options as the new season looms. With Sean Longstaff having recently completed a transfer to Leeds United, Howe is left with a reduced pool of central midfielders. Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and promising teenager Lewis Miley are now the primary options competing for the three midfield spots in Howe’s system.
Also still training with the squad is Norwegian youth international Travis Hernes, though club sources suggest he may be loaned out before the summer window closes. Whether Hernes stays or departs may depend on how quickly Willock recovers—and if the club manage to bring in midfield reinforcements.
Despite the growing concerns in midfield, Howe’s transfer focus remains elsewhere for now. With ongoing uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future amid strong interest from Liverpool, the Magpies are bracing themselves for potential upheaval in attack. Isak has reportedly expressed interest in a move, and Liverpool’s rejected £120 million bid could be just the beginning.
Alongside managing potential outgoings, Howe is also targeting a new striker, ideally as a long-term replacement for Callum Wilson, who could leave before the end of the window. Furthermore, a centre-back is still on the club’s shortlist as they aim to strengthen defensively ahead of another demanding campaign.
Whether all these targets can be secured remains to be seen, especially as Newcastle attempt to balance Financial Fair Play considerations with their ambition to challenge in both domestic and European competitions this season.
In the meantime, Newcastle’s tour of the Far East wraps up with a high-profile clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night in Seoul. The match promises to be a spectacle, not only for the quality on the pitch but also due to the huge interest surrounding South Korean superstar Son Heung-min.
Son, a national icon and beloved figure in South Korea, confirmed in an emotional press conference that he will be leaving Spurs this summer, marking the end of a legendary chapter in his career. Thousands of fans have gathered outside the Tottenham team hotel in Seoul in anticipation of what may be Son’s final appearance in a Spurs shirt.
Howe, who has coached against Son on numerous occasions dating back to his Bournemouth days, paid tribute to the forward. “He’s one of the greats of the Premier League. His speed, technique, and eye for goal made him one of the toughest opponents we faced every season,” Howe said. “His consistency and longevity are the true marks of greatness. Though I’ve never met him personally, he always comes across as a consummate professional and a class act.”
Saturday’s game, which will effectively serve as Son’s farewell appearance for Spurs, is expected to be a memorable affair. While Newcastle will be keen to continue building momentum ahead of the Premier League opener, all eyes in Seoul will be on the departing Son.
“We’re looking forward to what should be an excellent game,” Howe concluded. “Two quality Premier League sides going head-to-head—it’s another chance for us to sharpen our performances as we move closer to competitive action. But of course, it will also be a special occasion for the fans here, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”