'Really tough' - Newcastle United midfielder reacts after 'freak' injury rules him out for three months

Miley broke into Newcastle’s first-team last season as a 17-year-old and went on to appear 26 times in all competitions, with his goal in the 3-0 victory over Fulham last December making him the club’s youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer.

However, Miley’s breakthrough campaign came to a premature end in March when he sustained a back injury. He was then on track to return for the beginning of July but fractured his metatarsal in what he described as a “freak accident”.

“It's been a really tough period for me, returning from a back injury to then break my metatarsal,” admitted Miley. “It's been difficult but I'm coming towards the end of it and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel so I'm really looking forward to being back with the lads and being on the pitch again.

“It was a freak accident (to my metatarsal). I was a week away from being back with the team for pre-season and, as I was training with one of the fitness coaches, I turned direction and felt something straightaway. It was quite painful so I knew I'd have to get it operated on, which was really tough, but I just had to try and bounce back from that.

"I've never really had injuries like these before so it was really hard at the start of it but, mentally, I feel even stronger as a person and I think it will benefit me in the future.

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The 18-year-old resumed full training during the recent international break and was named on the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park.

He faces added competition from previous with Joelinton and Joe Willock returning from injury, and Sandro Tonali back from his 10-month suspension. 

“Missing the pre-season trips was difficult as the bonds you create with the team, being away for over a week or so, is really good,” Miley added.

“All the lads are really positive with the younger players and it's a great group to be around so I think I missed out on that a lot but, hopefully, I'll be able to do that for the next pre-season. It's hard when you're watching game after game in the stands but I know I'm not far away now and, hopefully, I'll be back on the pitch very soon.

"It's not nice to be injured but it has helped me work on other things, such as in the gym, where I wouldn't be able to if I was playing regularly so it's been a positive in a way to make myself stronger, both physically and mentally.

"I feel I have gained more muscle and I think that can also help me for when I'm back so that I'm strong, fit and ready to go.

"I'm really looking forward to being back and the better quality of players in the team, the more they'll help me improve as a player. I want to try and get as many minutes as possible to try and perform, showing people what I can do again."