Why Emil Krafth was absent from Newcastle United’s matchday squad vs Nottingham Forest

A hamstring injury forced Emil Krafth to miss Newcastle United’s opening day Premier League win over Nottingham Forest.

Kieran Trippier was always guaranteed to start at right-back but Magpies fans have come to appreciate Krafth in the last six months or so.

The Sweden international stepped up to the plate when Trippier was sidelined with a broken foot to transform his Newcastle career after a difficult two-and-a-half-years.

It was his form at the back end of last season then earned him a new one-year extension on Tyneside.

If Trippier wasn’t so integral to Howe’s line-up, then there’s an argument to say Krafth deserved to start against Forest.

However, that wouldn’t have been possible anyway, with the 28-year-old picking up a hamstring issue in training last week.

Howe revealed: “(He’s had a) slight hamstring problem the last couple of days but hopefully nothing serious, though it was enough to keep him out today.”

Krafth was absent as the Magpies recorded a 2-0 win over the newly-promoted side thanks to second half goals from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson.

Jamaal Lascelles was named among the substitutes but had to withdraw from the matchday squad after a thigh issue occurred during the warm up.

Jonjo Shelvey (hamstring), Jamal Lewis and Federico Fernandez (calf) also missed out.