Eddie Howe has spoke out on why Garang Kuol is not with the Newcastle United squad in Japan.
The Magpies have landed in Tokyo for a pre-season tour, with Eddie Howe set to have a strong squad for friendlies against Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F Marinos.
Bruno Guimaraes is back after receiving an extended break, while the likes of Alexander Isak and Joelinton are also in Japan. They are predicted to start for Newcastle against Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday.
But one player who will not be involved is Garang Kuol.
Garang Kuol not in Japan with Newcastle United
That is because Kuol was not named in the Newcastle United squad for the trip to Japan.
His absence came as a surprise, and it suggested that Kuol was perhaps closing in on a loan move away from Newcastle.
His snub also coincided with not featuring against Hull City on Saturday. Kuol was on the bench for the Magpies, but did not make an appearance during the 2-0 win over the Tigers.
The 19-year-old has been with the first-team during pre-season, and travelled to Germany for the training camp at Adidas HQ. That is why him not going to Japan came as a shock, and now Eddie Howe has explained the situation.
READ MORE: Who is Garang Kuol? Height, Position, Transfer, Family and More
Eddie Howe shares Garang Kuol update
Following Newcastle’s arrival in Japan, Howe has spoke to the media and explained to the Shields Gazette that Kuol is suffering from an injury.
“With Garang, we’re waiting to see what happened with him,” he said.
“He’s got a little bit of swelling in his knee so we’re not sure if he’ll be okay.”
Howe also stated that Joe White and Alex Murphy are also injured, which explains why they are not with the Newcastle United first-team in Japan.
Injury comes at a terrible time for Kuol
On the one hand, it is good to know that Kuol has not just been snubbed for the trip to Japan. On the other, this injury comes at a terrible time for the teenager.
After a couple of underwhelming loan spells, Kuol has probably benefitted from training with Newcastle United under Eddie Howe. It has given the Aussie youngster the chance to show the manager what he is really capable of, at a time when the hype around his future has slightly subsided.
While he is a long way away from being first-team ready, Howe will now have a better indication of whether or not Kuol can make it at senior level for Newcastle. And given the Magpies’ lack of attacking options, he probably would have got minutes during the two friendlies in Japan.
Alas, Kuol has been forced to stay at home, and will miss the opportunity to play in black and white.
It is an important summer for Kuol, with a third loan spell away from St James’ Park likely. It will be a pivotal one, after what happened to him at Hearts and Volendam.
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