Newcastle United close to major squad boost - and Eddie Howe knows it
Lewis Miley is set for a more prominent role at Newcastle United this season.
Lewis Miley is closing in on a return from injury after being spotted back on the grass at Newcastle United’s training centre.
Newcastle's players, except those involved at this summer's World Cup, have returned for pre-season training this week, with Miley among those pictured running outdoors.
It comes just two months after the 20-year-old underwent surgery on the fractured fibula he suffered in a freak training ground incident before the final three matches of last season.
Lewis Miley’s freak training ground injury
“It was a really innocuous moment, really, [in] training,” Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe explained. “No one around him, there was no other player involved. He slipped and went down.
“We probably at that moment thought maybe just a twist of something, nothing too serious, but he was unable to continue and pretty early sort of became aware it was a little bit more serious than we thought.
“That's the fragile nature of a professional footballer's career and now he faces a few months out. We hope that he'll be back in and around it for pre-season.
“It's a real shame because he was playing really, really well, outstanding in recent weeks. We really missed him when he got his injury last time, so a real blow for us, but also for Lewy and knowing the strength of character, he'll be back and he'll be back better than ever, but it's going to be a blow for him and for us.”
Can Lewis Miley can be Sandro Tonali’s replacement?
And it appears that Miley is on course to play a part in pre-season as expected, after he was pictured running on Tuesday afternoon.
Miley has already made 80 appearances for Newcastle but is set for a more prominent role this season following Sandro Tonali’s £100million move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies handed Miley a new six-year contract in May, highlighting the club’s belief in him.
“Lewis fully deserves his new contract as recognition for everything he has achieved over the last few years,” said Howe. “It's also a reflection of the potential for further growth that we all see in him.
"He's earned every opportunity and has proven himself to be more than capable of performing at the highest level. Players like Lewis are a dream to work with - not only is he immensely talented, he's keen to learn and approaches everything with a brilliant attitude.
"His versatility has proven to be a major plus and his willingness to try new roles is a reflection of his selfless approach to the team. I'm really looking forward to seeing Lewis back in action next season and I'm confident he will continue to go from strength to strength."
Meanwhile, Miley added: "It's been an amazing journey so far and I'm so excited for what's ahead. I'm now working hard every day to get back on the pitch even stronger next season and start to repay the faith that has been shown in me."