Forgotten Newcastle United man set to return to training this week after injury lay-off

Newcastle United hope Javier Manquillo will return to training this week after missing the whole of pre-season with a groin injury.

When the Magpies travelled to Austria to step up their preparations for the new Premier League, Manquillo visited a specialist in Spain.

It is an ongoing issue that will force the 28-year-old to play catch up in terms of fitness after not playing a single minute in pre-season.

Javier Manquillo in line for training return

While United prepare to host Nottingham Forest in league opener on Saturday after an intense few weeks, Manquillo will just only be getting started.

The Spaniard made 22 appearances in all competitions last year but faces competition from Kieran Trippier and the rejuvenated Emil Krafth for a spot in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe is hopeful a return to training is just around the corner Federico Fernandez and Jamal Lewis.

What about Federico Fernandez and Jamal Lewis?

Like Manquillo, neither defender has kicked a ball for United in pre-season due to their respective calf issues.

Fernandez hasn’t pulled on a black and white shirt since December. The same goes for Lewis, who was left out of the club’s 25-man squad for the second half of last season.

While Fernandez is likely to remain at St James’ Park for the final year of his contract, there is a possibility Lewis could depart on loan.

The plan from Howe was to give Lewis a chance to impress in pre-season but injury has prevented him from doing that.

Howe may not look to loan out the former Norwich City full-back and reassess his future next summer when he regain his fitness.

Newcastle are still waiting to learn more on Jonjo Shelvey’s hamstring injury that forced him to withdraw against Benfica.