Newcastle United academy player is already back in Toon training after loan spell

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Eddie Howe has welcomed a fresh face to Newcastle United training this week.

The Magpies are preparing for their crucial clash with Chelsea, with the two sides set to meet at St James’ Park on Sunday.

With Champions League football on the line, Newcastle vs Chelsea is a massive fixture.

Ahead of that game, Howe has been given a boost. Fabian Schar has trained, after being forced off during the draw with Brighton.

That should mean he is available to start against Enzo Maresca’s side this weekend.

Newcastle United youngster returns to training

As well as Schar, another defender of note is training with the Newcastle United first-team squad.

Sky Sports News were live at the Newcastle United training ground on Thursday morning, and their footage showed Alex Murphy working alongside the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley.

The 20-year-old has been out on loan, with Murphy spending the second half of the season at League One side Bolton Wanderers.

But their season came to an end on Saturday, with Bolton drawing 1-1 with Stevenage Town. The result meant that Bolton finished the campaign in eighth position, as they remain in the third tier of English football.

During his loan spell, Murphy made 13 appearances and scored two goals.

With the Premier League season still ongoing, Eddie Howe has immediately welcomed Murphy back into the fold.

What is next for Alex Murphy at Newcastle United

With the summer transfer window looming, Newcastle United must decide what is next for Murphy.

The Irish defender has been on the bench for the Magpies seven times this season, while he made two Premier League appearances as a substitute during the 2023/24 campaign.

He is a player who Eddie Howe rates highly, and the Newcastle United manager will now be pondering the next stage of his development.

Having experienced League One football with Bolton, Newcastle might be minded to send Murphy out on loan again.

Alternatively, they could keep him in and around the first-team squad. Newcastle are going to need a deeper squad next season, with European football set to return to Tyneside.