Newcastle United wrapped up their pre-season tour of Japan with a loss against Yokohama F. Marinos in Tokyo on Saturday morning.
Lloyd Kelly was handed his Newcastle debut, while Bruno Guimaraes captained the club for the very first time.
Eddie Howe’s side fell behind to a first-half goal scored by Brazilian forward Elber before Jun made it 2-0 after the break.
Clearly, results are not the most important thing in the world at this stage of the summer.
Indeed, it is about getting players back up to speed for the Premier League campaign, which begins at home to Southampton later this month.
Such was the injury crisis at Newcastle last season, any absence will be noted amongst supporters.
Having already lost Callum Wilson for the season opener and lacking new signings as things stand, Howe can ill-afford more pre-season injuries.
Luckily, some insight into why Joe Willock, hailed as a “very different” talent in the squad by Alexander Isak, did not play in Saturday’s friendly has emerged.
Why Joe Willock did not play for Newcastle against Yokohama F. Marinos
According to the Shields Gazette, the midfielder was simply having his minutes managed.
Wednesday’s friendly win against Urawa Red Diamonds was Willock’s first game back from injury in four months, so the club won’t be taking any risks.
Joe Willock has made a big claim about this season at Newcastle
Limited to only five Premier League starts last season, the 24-year-old described his injury hell as one of the most difficult moments in his career to date.
However, things appear to be looking up for the former Arsenal midfielder.
Willock has declared he is now fully fit and completely over the injury issues that so severely impacted him last time out.
That is hugely exciting for Newcastle ahead of the new campaign and a no-risk approach in managing his fitness seems very wise indeed.
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