'Confident' Newcastle United 16y/o spotted in training ahead of Bayer Leverkusen clash
Newcastle United 16-year-old spotted in training ahead Bayer Leverkusen trip.
Newcastle United will arrive in Germany this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Magpies beat Burnley 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday and have Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby away to Sunderland to look forward to.
But before then, Eddie Howe’s side head to Leverkusen aiming for a victory that will all but guarantee a place in the Champions League knockout rounds with two matches to spare.
Newcastle United team news v Bayer Leverkusen
United have £55million summer signing Yoane Wissa available after the striker made his long-awaited debut as a 75th-minute substitute in the victory over Burnley.
However, they are set to remain without five players through injury, with Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth already ruled out, while both Sven Botman and Will Osula are understood to be unlikely to be fit enough in time.
Meanwhile, Jamaal Lascelles, Harrison Ashby, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are ineligible after not being named in the Champions League.
UEFA rules allow clubs to submit a ‘List A’ of up to 25 players, if they include four ‘club-trained’ players. But in this instance, the Magpies could only name a squad of 21 due to the lack of club-trained players.
Newcastle United 16-year-old trains with team ahead of Bayer Leverkusen
Howe can name up to 12 players on his substitutes’ bench for Champions League matches, which has seen some youngsters drafted into the matchday squad.
Goalkeeper Max Thompson and defender Alex Murphy have featured on the bench in each of Newcastle’s five games so far, while the 2-1 defeat in Marseille last time out saw 16-year-old Sam Alabi rewarded with a call-up.
And Alabi could be part of the travelling squad again after being pictured during Monday’s training session.
Alabi is eligible to feature through the club’s ‘B List’, which allows players born on or after January 1, 2004 who have played for the club for an uninterrupted period of two years to be added.
The central midfielder joined Newcastle from Oldham Athletic in the summer of 2023 and recently made his full under-21s debut in an EFL Trophy tie against Harrogate Town. He has also captained England at under-17s level.
Reflecting on his full under-21s bow earlier this month, the Manchester-born teenager told the club’s website: "I've challenged myself at different levels this season so I think this is another step to what I want to pursue. I was very pleased to play the full game, especially against a League Two side.
"This is another milestone in my career so far. I've achieved many good things during my time at Newcastle so this was another; a very good opportunity and learning curve.
"I think I'm growing in confidence as I play each game for the under-21s. I came on against Mansfield Town, nearly scoring in the game but then scoring a penalty in the shootout which gave me more belief.
"As I went into the Harrogate game, I didn't feel any nerves. I was ready to go and I'm pleased. I'm very determined to try and play more matches with the under-21s. I'm still 16 years old but I don't think that's an issue. If you're feeling good, then you're good and you play."