‘He looks really good’: Eddie Howe says £5m Newcastle player has been brilliant in training

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Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United looks like the perfect stage for Emil Krafth to return to Eddie Howe’s side.

The Sweden international has not played a competitive game for Newcastle since August 2022. That was a Carabao Cup match against Tranmere Rovers, where the Magpies got the win that kicked off their journey to Wembley.

However, it was also the night that ended Emil Krafth‘s season. The 29-year-old was stretchered off in the first half, suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury that has kept him out for more than a year.

But Krafth is now back in training, and has been playing for the Under-21s as he builds up his fitness.

All that is left to do for him to complete his comeback is play for the first-team, and it looks like that could happen tonight. Krafth featured heavily in the club’s training pictures ahead of the game against Manchester United, and Howe has spoke glowingly about the defender during his pre-match press conference.

Eddie Howe delighted to have Emil Krafth back

Ahead of the Carabao Cup game against Man United, Howe spoke to the media about Krafth and the work he has been doing behind the scenes.

“Very good [to have him back],” he said.

“He’s had a really good period of work. He has worked incredibly hard with the physios, sports science team. He has done everything we have asked of him.

I think he’s in a good place. He has had developments games just to get those finishes touches to his sharpness. I think he looks really good. At the moment he’s in a good place and really good to have him back with us.”

He could complete Newcastle comeback tonight against Man United

Given Newcastle’s injury list, it would not be a surprise if we see Krafth included in the Toon team tonight.

He was back on the bench at the weekend, but could have a more important role at Old Trafford.

The £5million man is primarily a right-back, but it is actually difficult to envision him starting there against Manchester United. That role is more likely to go to Tino Livramento.

In truth, it feels more likely that Krafth will play in the middle of defence at centre-back. It is a position he has played before, but it would be a big ask for his first senior game in just over 14 months.

No matter what position he plays, it will be great to see Krafth back in action after such a devastating injury.