Eddie Howe explains Federico Fernandez’s ‘mystery’ absence at Newcastle United - plus Javier Manquillo update

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
The latest Newcastle United injury news.

Eddie Howe has provided an update on Federico Fernandez and Javier Manquillo’s whereabouts at Newcastle United.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fernandez is part of Howe’s 30-man squad in Austria but did not feature in the 3-0 friendly win over 1860 Munich on Friday - and has not been spotted in training since.

Manquillo, meanwhile, didn’t travel to the club’s training base in Saalfelden. Instead, the full-back is in Spain receiving treatment for a groin injury.

Newcastle United defender Javier Manquillo. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Newcastle United defender Javier Manquillo. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Newcastle United defender Javier Manquillo. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Where is Federico Fernandez?

The Argentine defender last played a competitive game for the Magpies in December, first injuring his calf before picking up a side strain.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fernandez, 33, featured in the matchday squad for five of United’s seven remaining games last season.

“Fede has picked up a minimal calf injury,” confirmed Howe. “It’s tight but we’re taking it carefully to build him back up before he trains.

“Fede, as I’ve said many times, is one of the leaders of the group - a very positive influence around the players so I’m delighted he’s here.

“We hope to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Newcastle United in Austria with Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin.Newcastle United in Austria with Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin.
Newcastle United in Austria with Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin. | -

And what about Javier Manquillo?

Manquillo missed the final eight games of last season with Emil Krafth preferred at right-back in place of the injured Kieran Trippier.

Howe said: “He’s got a groin problem that he had at the end of last season. It wasn’t fixed in the summer so he’s away having treatment in Barcelona or Madrid but I think he should be back maybe around the Portugal trip or maybe just after to train.”

What’s the latest with Jamal Lewis?

Jamal Lewis is in Austria but has yet to fully train with the squad due to a muscle injury.

Lewis, left out of the 25-man squad for the second half of last season, is hoping to reignite his Magpies career after a frustrating two years since arriving from Norwich City.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.