adminNewcastle United’s pre-season campaign for the 2026/27 season features a highly structured blend of regional warm-ups, high-profile European tests, and domestic matchups.
The preparations began in mid-July with a behind-closed-doors training ground fixture against Darlington, followed by a local trip to face Gateshead.
The schedule intensifies with away fixtures against Championship outfit Bristol City at Ashton Gate and a prestigious trip to Spain to face La Liga giants Valencia at the Mestalla.
The team will also travel to Edinburgh to take on fellow Premier League competitors Everton at Murrayfield, ensuring the squad is tested against varied tactical setups.
Eddie Howe has insisted there is nothing serious behind William Osula’s absence against Gateshead after the Danish forward picked up a minor injury in training.
Newcastle could have benefited from Osula’s presence in attack during the 1-1 draw with Gateshead, with the Magpies missing several good chances and lacking a cutting edge in the final third.
Howe, however, is confident Osula will have plenty of opportunities to impress during pre-season. He also expects Sven Botman to return soon.
Several other players, including Joelinton, are having their minutes carefully managed during pre-season, with the Brazilian also missing the match at the International Stadium.
Speaking about Osula, Howe said:
> “Will just had a tight groin, so again, nothing serious. We anticipate that all the injured players that we have are on a good track at the moment.”
The Newcastle boss was less optimistic about Tino Livramento, who suffered a calf injury while on England duty at the World Cup in June and was forced to withdraw from the squad.
Howe said:
> “They’re all looking like they’ll be back and available around La Manga, maybe Tino Livramento apart. I think the squad’s in relatively good health.”
Botman, who has endured a difficult spell with injuries over the past two years, was also absent against Gateshead. However, Howe dismissed concerns over the Dutch defender.
He explained:
> “Sven just took a little knock to the face yesterday in training, but we don’t think it’s anything too serious.”
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
