10 players missed Newcastle United’s Eusebio Cup defeat to Benfica - here’s why
Newcastle United fielded 23 players against Benfica but remained without a number of names.
The likes of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, Elliot Anderson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson started against The Eagles and played out a 2-2 draw in the first half.
The in-form Miguel Almiron was twice on the scoresheet before Eddie Howe changed his entire line-up at half-time, bringing on the likes of Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Matty Bondswell, Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock and Chris Wood.
A red card for Joelinton and a hamstring injury Jonjo Shelvey disrupted Newcastle in the latter stages with Benfica finding a late winner to lift the Eusebio Cup.
NewcastleWorld takes a look at the 10 players that missed United’s 3-2 defeat at the Estadio da Luz.
1. Mark Gillespie - not in the squad
United’s third choice goalkeeper was present at the Estadio da Luz and helped with the goalkeeper warm up. However, Gillespie was not included in the squad.
2. Javier Manquillo - groin
Manquillo hasn’t played a single minute of pre-season due to a groin injury that forced him to see a specialist in Madrid while Newcastle were in Austria.
3. Jamal Lewis - calf
Lewis has been in and around Howe’s first-team camp but is yet to feature in pre-season after picking up a calf injury.
4. Federico Fernandez - calf
The Argentine defender, like Lewis, is working his way back from a calf problem. He was present on both trips to Austria and Portugal.