Injury problems have not left Newcastle United alone for what feels like an age now.
Indeed, the injury crisis at Newcastle got so bad last season that pundit Joe Cole went as far as to question exactly what was going on behind the scenes at the club.
Hopefully, this season will provide at least some relief.
While knocks and bruises are simply part of the game and cannot be avoided at times, the fact Eddie Howe’s side have fewer games to play this season should ease the strain on the squad.
Still, injuries and the like are never an exact science.
Callum Wilson has already suffered knockbacks this season, as has Joe Willock.
Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are long-term absentees and Lewis Miley is yet to kick a ball in anger.
Miley, hailed as “exceptional” by Jason Tindall last season following his breakout campaign, suffered a back injury earlier this year before sustaining a foot problem.
That ruled him out of pre-season but Howe has now provided a positive update.
Eddie Howe provides positive update on Lewis Miley injury at Newcastle
Speaking ahead of the trip to Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday, Howe confirmed that Miley was on track to return within the three month timeframe that was initially set out, which could see him fit again by October.
“He’s doing well, he’s back on the grass, it is great to see him with his boots on,” he said (via The Northern Echo.)
“The first time was last week. He’s on track I’d say for the three months he was given initially, I don’t see any big change from that.”
Newcastle have no need to rush Lewis Miley back into action
At some point, it’ll be brilliant to see Miley back up to speed. For all the talk of superstar signings, there’s nothing quite like a local lad doing the business in the first-team.
Newcastle, however, are in a fortunate position. They reportedly do not plan to lean on Miley quite so heavily this season and the return of Sandro Tonali means midfield options are plentiful.
It all means the teenager can return from a long time out of action at his own pace, which will surely help his development going forward.
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