Newcastle United star injured during warm-up ahead of Manchester City draw

Ryan Fraser was an unused substitute against Manchester City - here’s why.
Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Eddie Howe has revealed Ryan Fraser picked up a groin injury as Newcastle United warmed up for the encounter against Manchester City.

The 28-year-old was named as a substitute but the Magpies head coach was unable to utilise Fraser from the bench.

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United played out a 3-3 draw with the Premier League champions to maintain their unbeaten start to the 2022-23 campaign.

Fraser had only just returned to the matchday squad after missing last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Brighton with a back spasm.

"We had a couple of issues in the game,” Howe admitted.

Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“Ryan Fraser I couldn’t bring on - he was feeling a groin injury in the warm-up.

“He would have been a very important player for us if we were able to use him today but we didn’t have that luxury.”

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Man City took the lead through Ilkay Gundogan after five minutes before United surged into a 3-1 lead after goals from Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier.

Pep Guardiola’s side did hit back however following two quick-fire goals from Erling Haaland and Bernando Silva.

“When you are 3-1 up in any game, you expect to win,” Howe said. “I could sit here and say that no part of me is disappointed but I would be lying.

“But, I would much prefer to dwell on the positives of today, rather than the negatives - and I thought the positives far outweigh the negatives.

“It was a great team performance, individually and collectively good. And the effort was there. We committed so much to that game.”