Newcastle United have seen some of their players struggle following their busy summer schedules.
Indeed, while Anthony Gordon impressed during the draw with Manchester City last month, few would doubt the winger has not been at his absolute best just yet, having returned from Euro 2024 relatively unfit.
Bruno Guimaraes is another who has yet to hit his heights after playing for Brazil at the Copa America and admitted even during the season he was still striving for his best physical condition.
Newcastle, of course, are not alone in seeing their best players work to get back up to speed during the campaign. That, sadly, is a byproduct of the ever-increasing schedule at the top level.
Marc Guehi, after all, has struggled for Crystal Palace having returned for pre-season late following England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.
The defender was also strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park and was reportedly open to the idea, complicating matters even further.
Speaking about his form this season, Guehi made something of an admission.
Marc Guehi makes admission over Crystal Palace form following links with Newcastle
Speaking ahead of England’s Nations League clash with Finland on Sunday afternoon, Guehi said of his form (via Yahoo Sport): “I’d say quite tough not having a pre-season, not having much of a break and going straight back into it.
“I kind of handled it as best as I can.
“The Euros was such an amazing experience, but just not quite getting there.
“And since then I’ve just tried to get my head down, tried to get to work.
“It’s been a tough start for us at Palace, but I think everyone’s pulling in the right direction to try and get ourselves back to where we want to be.”
The lack of a pre-season will not have helped Guehi and the fact Palace are struggling as a collective cannot be ignored, either.
Newcastle have a new concern over Marc Guehi
Newcastle have been linked with a fresh move for Guehi, which is natural given the lengths to which they went to sign him this summer.
However, as has seemingly been the case with this saga throughout, there’s a new complication.
With Guehi out of contract in less than two years, Newcastle are reportedly concerned about rival clubs coming into the picture and creating something of a bidding war.
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