Newcastle United’s midfield is about to get even stronger.
Sean Longstaff believes midfield is Newcastle’s strongest position, with Eddie Howe currently boasting five players who could feasibly start for the Magpies.
But that number will soon increase to six with Lewis Miley due to return from injury.
The 18-year-old has been absent for the past seven months. He suffered a back injury, then broke his metatarsal on the brink of pre-season starting. It was a huge blow for a player who was Newcastle United‘s breakout star during the 2023/24 season.
But Miley is now back in training, and has used his injury absence as a chance to improve further.
What Lewis Miley did during his injury layoff
Following his return to training, Miley has spoken to Newcastle’s official website.
The teenager addressed what it was like to be injured, admitting that it has allowed him to do more work in the gym and become stronger.
“I’ve never really had injuries like these before so it was really hard at the start of it but, mentally, I feel even stronger as a person and I think it will benefit me in the future,” he said.
“It’s not nice to be injured but it has helped me work on other things, such as in the gym, where I wouldn’t be able to if I was playing regularly so it’s been a positive in a way to make myself stronger, both physically and mentally.
“I feel I have gained more muscle and I think that can also help me for when I’m back so that I’m strong, fit and ready to go.”
Extra strength will help Miley
While Miley will obviously have been disappointed about being injured, he has made good use of his time on the sidelines.
Even last season, Miley did not look fazed by the physicality. He rarely looked his age, holding his own against the best around. But the added strength will certainly help him, as he aims to build on the success of last season.
However, it will be tough for Miley to get back in the team, as Sandro Tonali has returned from suspension and Joelinton and Joe Willock are over their injury issues.
When Miley could make his Newcastle United comeback
But Miley has got time on his side. He is only 18, and there is no need to rush him back from this injury.
Eddie Howe has stated that Newcastle will take their time with Miley, which suggests that he might not be involved against Brighton on Saturday.
The Daily Mail have reported that Miley may well be given another week to build up his fitness, which could result in him making his comeback in one of the games against Chelsea later this month.
Newcastle face the Blues in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on October 27th, and then the two sides meet again at St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup on October 30th.
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