Newcastle United have kicked off pre-season with morale-boasting victories against Gateshead and Rangers - but now the real test comes.
After recording a 2-1 win at Ibrox on Tuesday, Eddie Howe’s 34-man squad flew to the United States, where they will compete in the Premier League Summer Series.
United face Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea, but first up is Aston Villa at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia. Howe is hoping to use the next week or so to build his players’ fitness levels and develop their tactical understanding in games against fellow top-flight opposition.
However, there are players expected to miss the match against Unai Emery’s Villa for various reasons. Here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at the players who could return and those that are likely to miss out.
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1. Nick Pope - 50/50
Pope underwent hand surgery in May but was captured back in training on Thursday. | Getty Images
2. Jacob Murphy - 50/50
Murphy was spotted training with his teammates with his shoulder heavily strapped. | Getty Images
3. Jamaal Lascelles - doubt
Lascelles hasn’t featured in pre-season yet due to a minor muscle injury. | Getty
4. Matt Ritchie - doubt
Ritchie played against Gateshead but was left out of the squad at Rangers. Didn’t train on day one in the US. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group