Newcastle United injury ‘complaint’ as full-back doubtful to face Aston Villa

Newcastle United were without Javier Manquillo for their final game of pre-season through injury.

Eddie Howe’s side ended their preparations for the new Premier League campaign with a 4-0 win over La Liga side Villarreal, which saw the Magpies lift the Sela Cup at St James’ Park.

The likes of Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes started the game but Howe was unable to field a recognised right-back after Kieran Trippier played 24 hours earlier.

Asked about Manquillo’s absence, Howe revealed: “Just a slight groin complaint with Javier. We hope it’s nothing serious.”

Jacob Murphy dropped into right-back but still managed to get on the scoresheet. The 28-year-old opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a thunderous strike.

“Jacob did that role for us last year, wherever I played him, whether it be left, right, on the wing, various positions, he was excellent for us and his attitude absolutely epitomised the squad,” said Howe.

“A brilliant team player and I thought he was outstanding today in that right-back position and he had no complaints doing it so full credit to him.”

Murphy helped his defence - also including Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn and Paul Dummett - record a clean sheet with further goals coming from new signing Harvey Barnes x2 and Joelinton.

Newcastle host Aston Villa in their Premier League opener on Saturday (kick-off 5:30pm).