Newcastle United defender ruled out of pre-season amid injury update on four players

Emil Krafth isn’t expected to play a part in Newcastle United’s pre-season campaign, head coach Eddie Howe has revealed.

The Swede has been sidelined since August last year after sustaining an ACL injury in the 2-1 Carabao Cup second round victory at Tranmere Rovers.

Krafth was among the first team players to return to the club’s Benton training base on Sunday. And while he is working his way back to fitness, the right-back is unlikely to feature in any of United’s seven friendlies.

“Emil’s a little bit further back,” said Howe. “He’s doing well, making good progress, but we don’t anticipate seeing him during pre-season.”

Speaking in May, Howe revealed his hope of having the 28-year-old available on day one of pre-season.

“Emil’s been working incredibly hard. He’s very diligent, very professional,” Howe said.

“I think, naturally, when you have the tough injury that he’s had, he’s had a couple of little … I wouldn’t say setbacks, but little ‘moments’ which have just meant he’s had to hold back for a week or two.

“At the moment, he’s got a little bit of nerve trouble in his back. Nothing’s changed with his timescale. We were always looking to next season for Emil.

“We hope he can join in pre-season from day one. But he’s still got a bit of a way to go to make sure he’s in the best physical condition.”

Meanwhile, Howe has provided updates on Nick Pope, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff’s fitness.

Pope underwent hand surgery during the final week of last season. Willock pulled his hamstring against Brighton and Hove Albion and Longstaff was struggling with a foot injury.

Howe said: “Nick is doing well. He won’t train with us initially with his hands but I think he can do some footwork.

“Joe Willock I don’t think is too far away from full training. He’s not there yet but making good progress with his hamstring injury. Sean Longstaff is back fully training.”

Newcastle travel to non-league neighbours Gateshead this Saturday (kick-off 12:30pm) for their opening fixture of pre-season.