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.
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.
5. Kelland Watts - knee
Watts played a full 90 minutes in United’s pre-season opener against Gateshead but recently underwent knee surgery after sustaining the issue in Austria. Photo: Michael Regan
6. Martin Dubravka - wrist
Dubravka, rivalling Nick Pope for the No.1 jersey, missed friendlies against Burnley and Benfica due to a wrist injury.
7. Paul Dummett - not in the squad
Dummett sat out of the defeat to Benfica as United manage his fitness accordingly after an injury-hit season last year. Photo: Stu Forster
8. Ryan Fraser - family reasons
Fraser was left out of Newcastle’s 3-2 to Benfica due to family reasons.