Injury blow ends Newcastle United defender’s Austria trip - and could see him miss PL start

Javier Manquillo has not travelled with Newcastle United for their pre-season camp in Austria due to injury, NewcastleWorld understands.

Eddie Howe’s squad, who began their preparations for the new Premier League season with a 5-1 win over neighbours Gateshead, landed in Austria on Sunday evening ahead of a week-long training camp.

The Magpies face 1860 Munich on Friday at the Saalfelden Arena before concluding their visit with a game against Bundesliga outfit Mainz 05 three days later.

Summer signings Sven Botman and Nick Pope are set to be handed their first minutes, as is Bruno Guimaraes, after watching the Gateshead friendly, which took place behind closed doors at the club’s training ground, from the sidelines.

Another player who was not involved against Mike Williamson’s Heed was Manquillo, leaving several supporters questioning his whereabouts.

Indeed, the Spanish full-back has not been spotted in any of the club’s training photos since most of Howe’s squad returned on Friday, July 1.

It is NewcastleWorld’s understanding that the 28-year-old has picked up an injury and is currently in Spain seeing a specialist.

Manquillo has just under a month to get the problem rectified before United’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 6.

Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth complete Howe’s right-back options, while Manquillo’s absence could provide an opportunity for Jamal Lewis to impress at left-back.

Also missing from the squad that travelled to Austria are Ciaran Clark, Jeff Hendrick and Dwight Gayle.

Clark, on the verge of a move to Sheffield United, has been training with the under-23s along with Hendrick and Gayle after being told to find new clubs.