Forgotten Newcastle United defender returns to training after two-month injury layoff

Kelland Watts is back training with Newcastle United ahead of linking up with Peterborough United on loan.

The 22-year-old completed a temporary switch to the League One side on summer transfer deadline day, however has remained on Tyneside whilst he recovered from knee surgery.

It’s easy to forget that Watts played a full 90 minutes in United’s pre-season opener with Gateshead before being named in Eddie Howe’s squad to tour Austria.

It was there, in training, where the Northumberland-born central defender sustained his knee injury, which required surgery in July.

Following around two months on the sidelines, Watts is nearing a full return and could play in Peterborough’s home clash with Burton Albion a week on Saturday (October 8), according to boss Grant McCann.

“Kell has started contact training at Newcastle,” McCann told the Peterborough Telegraph. “He could be available for the Burton game and Newcastle could get some match practice into him before then.”

Despite his young age, Watts has made over 100 EFL appearances during loan spells at Mansfield Town, Stevenage, Plymouth Argyle and Wigan Athletic, whom he helped win the League One title last season.

Watts signed a new two-year contract with the Magpies in February.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Watts. “I’ve been at the club since I was eight so I am buzzing to get a new contract.

“All my family are thrilled and I can’t wait to be working with the new manager next season.”