£25m Newcastle player confirms he is ‘fully fit’ and completely over his injury problem ahead of new season

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Newcastle United finally appear to be getting over the bulk of their injury problems, despite still having a few absentees.

The likes of Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Lewis Miley, Callum Wilson and Matt Targett are not with the Newcastle United squad in Japan due to injury, but the rest of Eddie Howe’s players appear to be fighting fit.

Tino Livramento has shook off an ankle problem to start the Magpies’ previous two games, while Lloyd Kelly is training and could make his first appearance on Saturday against Yokohama F Marinos.

Elsewhere, Sean Longstaff started Newcastle’s win over Urawa Red Diamonds after his own fitness problem, and he was joined in midfield by a man who endured a torrid 2023/24 season.

Newcastle United welcome back Joe Willock

Last season was awful for Joe Willock, but he is now back. The 24-year-old played the first half of the 4-1 victory against Urawa Reds, and was extremely impressive. He set up Jacob Murphy’s first, while it was his through ball that resulted in Alexander Isak giving Newcastle the lead.

After the game, Howe spoke about how important Willock is, while Isak said that Willock is completely different to every other player at Newcastle United.

The £25million man is certainly unique, and the hope is that he is now over the Achilles injury that ruined last season.

Joe Willock is completely over his Achilles injury

Fortunately, Willock believes that is the case.

He has been speaking to the Athletic, and admitted that he is now ‘fully fit’ after making his first appearance since April.

“I’m fully fit now and feel really good,” he said.

“I’m still lacking a bit of match sharpness but I know I’ll get there and I’m looking forward to the new season.

“I’m 24, so it’s about pushing on, putting that behind me and giving everything for the badge to help my teammates.”

Newcastle’s sacrifice pays off

With Willock back to full fitness and now aiming to get his sharpness back, Newcastle’s risk paid off.

Eddie Howe’s squad was stretched beyond belief last season, and any return was welcomed with open arms. It was great when Willock returned in March, but the comeback did not last long.

He suffered a reoccurrence of his Achilles injury in April, and the club decided to end Willock’s season early. He could have carried on through the pain, but the decision was made to withdraw him from action to ensure he would be fully fit for the following campaign.

Willock missed the final six games of the season, but will now be ready to go when the 2024/25 campaign kicks off on August 17th. The Magpies face Southampton on the opening day of the season, and Willock will hope to be involved.

Newcastle have three more friendlies before then, which gives Willock plenty of time to keep building up his match sharpness.