There is suddenly light at the end of the tunnel for Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United injury crisis.
The Newcastle United manager has been desperately short of defenders in recent weeks, which has resulted in Lewis Miley having to play at right-back.
Miley has done exceptionally well in his new position, thriving in the absence of Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier.
However, the Newcastle United wonderkid might not be required to operate in defence for much longer.
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DISCLAIMER: I’m not saying he SHOULD name this XI….
Eddie Howe offers fitness updates on Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier
Ahead of Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace on Sunday, Eddie Howe has spoken to the media and provided an injury update.
Lewis Hall should be fine after his injury scare against Burnley, while there are also positive updates on Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier.
The Newcastle United right-backs are suddenly close to a return, which is excellent news as the Magpies prepare to play nine times in January.
“We’ve got a couple of training days but Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier have worked really well,” he said.
“They’ve had a couple of recovery periods so they’re both close.
“Emil Krafth is further back.”
Massive injury boost! But what does this mean for Lewis Miley? 👀
Injury boost is good and bad news for Lewis Miley
Howe’s injury update is a major boost for Newcastle United. Livramento has played extremely well when fit this season, while Trippier’s experience has been a major miss as of late.
With Livramento and Trippier both nearing returns, there will no longer be a need for Miley to play at right-back. That is bittersweet news for the teenager, who has looked extremely comfortable out of position.
He has not been fazed at all, proving to be one of Newcastle’s best players in recent weeks. However, it is clear that centre-midfield remains his best position. That is where his long-term future is, and the quicker he can get back playing there the better.
However, it remains to be seen if a return to midfield will result in Miley retaining his place in the Newcastle United starting XI. Joelinton’s impressive performance against Burnley will hopefully be the start of a strong run of form, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali remain undroppable.
That could pose a problem for Miley, who may suddenly go from right-back hero to benchwarmer in the blink of an eye.
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