Ryan Fraser was one of 10 players that missed the 3-2 pre-season defeat to Benfica. Ryan Fraser was one of 10 players that missed the 3-2 pre-season defeat to Benfica.
Ryan Fraser was one of 10 players that missed the 3-2 pre-season defeat to Benfica.

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.