Newcastle United training ground injury blow as winger ruled out for eight weeks

The 19-year-old’s whereabouts had become something of mystery having last featured for Newcastle in their behind closed doors friendly victory over German third-tier side SpVgg Unterhaching on July 20.

Kuol was due to travel to Tokyo a week later but Howe revealed he had picked up a knee injury. And that was the last update on the winger - until now. As first reported by The Athletic, Kuol has suffered a grade three tear to his right quad during training, which is set to rule him out for up to eight weeks.

Newcastle had planned to loan Kuol out for a third time since his move from Central Coast Mariners in January last year. There had reportedly been interest from Portugal, Belgium and English clubs but his injury has put those discussions on hold until the UK transfer window re-opens.

Kuol signed for United as one of Australia’s brightest talents. In the months leading up to Tyneside switch, Kuol caught the eye in a A-League All Stars match against Barcelona and became the youngest player since Brazil legend Pele to appear in a World Cup knockout game.

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However, Kuol has struggled in Europe with his loan spells at Hearts and FC Volendam fetching a total of 25 appearances. That said, the latter should be caveated with the exit of club chairman Jan Smit and the resignation of coach Wim Jonk - which badly disrupted Kuol and Volendam’s season, ending in relegation from the Eredivisie.

But that didn’t stop Howe from including Kuol in his squad for the post-season trip to Australia in May. Indeed, he subject to a fanfare in his homeland, making his Toon debut as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur where he converted his spot-kick in a penalty shootout win. He then played a full game against the A-League All Stars as a youthful United were hammered 8-0.