Newcastle United are back at St James’ Park this weekend, and it sounds like Eddie Howe is going to be able to call upon Sean Longstaff for the first time since July 18th.
The 25-year-old has endured a frustrating pre-season. He started the Magpies’ first two games against Gateshead and Rangers, but has not been seen since.
Longstaff was with the rest of the squad out in America, but did not play a single minute of the Premier League Summer Series.
He has been suffering with an injury, but offered Howe a boost this week when he was involved in first-team training following the return to Tyneside.
Now a new report states that he is going to play in the Sela Cup this weekend, as the Magpies go in search of ‘silverware’ before the 2023/24 campaign even begins.
Sean Longstaff expected to play in Sela Cup for Newcastle
According to the Chronicle, Longstaff is expected to be involved in one of the games at St James’ Park this weekend. Newcastle face Fiorentina on Saturday then Villarreal on Sunday.
It is unclear how Howe is going to split his squad, but it at least sounds like he will be able to give Longstaff some minutes for the first time in more than two weeks.
The local lad, who was ‘integral’ last season according to Alan Shearer, will be eager to prove his fitness to Howe, as he looks to begin the season in the starting lineup against Aston Villa.
That will be difficult given the competition, however. Newcastle have added Sandro Tonali to their midfield, while Elliot Anderson has emerged as a real star during pre-season.
It is therefore difficult to envision Longstaff starting the first game of the season, but he will certainly enhance his chances with a strong showing in this weekend’s Sela Cup.
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