Eddie Howe names the Newcastle United star that almost missed the Leicester City win

Emil Krafth starred in Newcastle United’s injury-time win against Leicester City - but he almost didn’t play.

The Sweden international barely trained in the build-up to the game after being struck down with illness.

However, he was able to recover in time, and just as well too, with United already a full-back option down in Javier Manquillo.

Indeed, Jacob Murphy was in line to start at right-back before Krafth won his race to be available.

“Very, very good,” Howe said, when asked about the 27-year-old’s performance against the Foxes.

“Emil was one of the players who I spoke about in the press conference saying he was struggling with an illness, so he didn’t train much last week. He deserves credit for putting himself out on the pitch.

“He cramped at the end, due to the fact that nutritionally he was slightly down.

“What a performance from him, especially against a fresh Harvey Barnes coming on the pitch.

“I have been hugely impressed with Emil as a person and a player - he deserves a lot of credit.”

Krafth’s form in first choice right-back Kieran Trippier’s absence has come as a surprise to many, with the player struggling to impress since his £5million switch from Amiens in 2019.

However, like a number of players, Krafth has clearly benefitted from Howe’s management - starting seven of the last nine games.

His tireless display against Leicester was probably his best yet in a Magpies shirt and his last-ditch tackle to prevent Ademola Lookman from scoring again midway through the second-half was a real standout moment.

Krafth more recoveries (10) and tackles (7) than any other player in the match. While Bruno Guimaraes stole the headlines, Krafth too was a real contender for man of the match.