Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey return to Newcastle training as pre-season begins

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The Newcastle United players are back for pre-season, including Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey.

The midfield duo missed the end of last season due to injury, but have now reported back to Benton with the rest of the squad.

Eddie Howe’s first pre-season as Toon manager begins today, and he will be delighted to see Willock and Shelvey back.

The club have posted pictures of them arriving at the training ground on their official Twitter account. Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez were also snapped.

Images of the players in the gym have also been released, with Dan Burn and Kelland Watts also seen to be in attendance.

Howe won’t have a full squad today, with the players who were on international duty likely to be given extra time off. That includes Sven Botman, who is yet to be officially unveiled as a Newcastle player despite a deal being agreed.

Good to have Willock and Shelvey back

Newcastle ended last season in impressive form, picking up back-to-back wins over Arsenal and Burnley. However, they did it without Willock and Shelvey.

They missed the final three games of the season due to injury, and haven’t played for the club since the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on April 30th.

Shelvey was suffering from a calf problem, while Willock had an issue with his knee. However, they are back now and hopefully ready to play a full part in pre-season.

That’s good news for Howe, who managed to get a lot out of both players last season. Shelvey became an integral player, while Willock showed huge improvement after a slow start.

It’s an important summer for both players. They will likely be competing with each other for a place in Howe’s midfield three. Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton feel like nailed on starters, meaning one position is up for grabs.

This season is even more important for Shelvey though, as his contract expires next summer. It will be interesting to see whether or not he is given an extension to keep him at St James’ Park.

Newcastle have options in midfield, while there is also talk of a new arrival. Christian Eriksen has been heavily linked.

But with pre-season beginning today, Shelvey and Willock have an immediate chance to prove to Howe that they should be starting.

It’s great to have them back fit and ready for the upcoming season.