25-year-old offers Newcastle a major injury boost ahead of SJP double-header

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Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players are back on Tyneside after their trip to America, and are now preparing for a St James’ Park homecoming.

One week before the new Premier League season kicks off, the Magpies are competing in the Sela Cup on home turf for their final pre-season friendlies of the summer.

Newcastle face Fiorentina on Saturday then Villarreal on Sunday, with Howe likely to use two completely different teams for each game – like he did for the Premier League Summer Series contests with Chelsea and Brighton.

The games will stretch Howe’s squad to the absolute limit, but it looks like the Toon boss could receive a timely injury boost ahead of the friendly double-header.

Sean Longstaff spotted in Newcastle training

Newcastle United have released a selection of photos on their official website from the club’s latest training session back at Benton.

The images feature the likes of Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman, who are expected to start the season-opener against Aston Villa on August 12th.

Elliot Anderson can also be seen, who has been in sensational form this pre-season.

They are all joined by a returning Sean Longstaff, as the players work on their fitness ahead of the new season.

It is great to see Longstaff involved in training, as it has been a frustrating summer for him.

The 25-year-old started Newcastle’s first two friendlies against Gateshead and Rangers, but has not featured since the trip to Ibrox due to injury. The local lad did travel to America with the Toon squad, but did not play a single minute during the Premier League Summer Series.

He will be desperate to feature this weekend and prove his fitness, and he is currently in a race against time to earn a place in Howe’s starting XI for the first game of the season against Aston Villa.

Longstaff will be eager to start the season well. He was exceptional last year, but will be well aware of the increased competition for places in midfield following the arrival of Sandro Tonali.