Newcastle United hit with fresh injury concern ahead of Bradford City clash

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A Newcastle United academy player in line to feature against Bradford City has shared a worrying update on the day before the game.

The Magpies’ defence of their Carabao Cup win begins on Wednesday evening when they welcome League One side Bradford City to St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe suggested he will rotate his starting XI against Bradford, giving the likes of Sandro Tonali and Dan Burn the chance to rest up before an important Premier League game against Arsenal on Sunday.

Newcastle United are in a completely different position than ever before in the Carabao Cup, with the gold patches on their sleeves commemorating the famous win at Wembley Stadium against Liverpool in March.

The game also gives Howe the chance to give some of Newcastle’s academy players a runout. One player tipped to start was Korean wonderkid Seung-soo Park. However, the youngster has since posted a worrying image on social media.

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Seung-soo Park pictured icing his knee ahead of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash

Park has been training with Newcastle’s first-team squad this season while making appearances for the U21s.

Newcastle look like they have struck gold with the youngster, who has already made three appearances in the first team during pre-season. While Bradford are no team to mess with, it is surely a great opportunity to show Park what he can do against a professional club.

However, Park’s inclusion in the squad against Bradford is in doubt, after he shared a picture of himself on his Instagram story with an icepack on his knee, presumably after a training session.

Fans will hope that it is only a precaution, but the knock could mean that he misses his chance to impress under the St James’ Park lights.

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Several other Newcastle United youngsters in with a chance of playing against Bradford City

Many Newcastle players have a point to prove against Bradford. Aaron Ramsdale should start, while the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth have a chance to prove why they should receive new contracts.

Elsewhere, William Osula is under pressure to impress Howe, with the striker possibly fighting for his career on Tyneside after nearly joining Eintracht Frankfurt on deadline day.

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Meanwhile, Howe has the opportunity to give many other young players the chance to impress at St James’ Park.

Sean Neave could make an appearance for Newcastle alongside Alex Murphy, who is desperate for a chance to perform for Howe. The Irishman joined Bolton on loan in January to help him adapt to the professional game, so Bradford is another chance for him to show he has what it takes.