Newcastle United surprise injury boost as winger named in squad - first appearance since January

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe, fresh from his own fitness return, could be handed a double injury boost with a young forward pair back in contention.

Both Ben Parkinson and Trevan Sanusi returned to the United fold on Friday night as the under-21s took on Arsenal (a) for a spot in the last eight of the Premier League 2 play-offs. While Parkinson started in the XI, Sanusi had to be content with a place on the bench, after Aussie youngster Garang Kuol has taken his chance in the winger’s absence. The young Magpies suffered a heart-breaking last gasp 2-1 loss, conceding a penalty in the 90th minute.

Trevan Sanusi injury

Sanusi made his competitive debut for Newcastle in the 3-1 FA Cup third round win over Bromley in January, playing the remaining 20 minutes after coming on as a substitute in place of Will Osula. An injury for Anthony Gordon would have likely handed Sanusi a place on the bench for the visit to his former club Birmingham City in the next round. But like Gordon, the winger suffered an injury, which saw 17-year-old Sean Neave called up instead. Neave then kept that first-team spot, and was on the bench as the club lifted the Carabao Cup, ending a 70-year domestic trophy drought in the process.

Sanusi suffered a setback soon after, writing on Instagram: “Unfortunate to be out for another eight weeks after being out for five”. But was back in the action in what was the under-21s last action of the season.

Ben Parkinson injury

Parkinson was delighted to mark his return from injury with a goal as Newcastle United Under-21s claimed a 2-0 win against Middlesbrough in the Premier League 2 last month - but then suffered another issue that kept him out until Friday night.

The 20-year-old has been in and around the Magpies’ first-team for two years now, having been thrown into the mix during the tour of the USA in the summer of 2023. He made his United bow in the 2-0 loss at Bournemouth later that year, replacing a flagging Lewis Miley late on.

First team chances?

With five games remaining, the pair could yet be named in the matchday squad for Eddie Howe’s first team. Although, due to their involvement down south on Friday, and the return of some key players, a call for Ipswich Town is very unlikely.

The Magpies finish their season with a trip to Brighton, followed by the visit of Chelsea to St James’ Park, a fourth encounter of 2024/25 with Arsenal (a) then a final day clash with Everton, with Champions League qualification on the line.