Javier Manquillo absence explained as Newcastle United set to welcome him back

Eddie Howe was asked about the whereabouts of Javier Manquillo during Newcastle United's stay in Austria.

The Spaniard has not trained during Newcastle's pre-season boot camp and with both Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth for company in the battle at right-back it remains to be seen how Howe will accommodate him in the 2022/23 season. Manquillo featured 21 times last term but was in and out of the side.

But he must first recover from an injury problem, and Howe explained: “He’s got a groin problem that he had at the end of last season. It wasn’t fixed in the summer so he’s away having treatment in Barcelona or Madrid but I think he should be back maybe around the Portugal trip or maybe just after to train."

Meanwhile, another full-back who is yet to make appearance this summer Jamal Lewis is edging closer to fitness. Howe has decided not to risk him during high intensity sessions and the Northern Ireland international is training alone.

Lewis was not included in Howe's squad in January when he did not register him for Premier League action. But he has stated he is happy to give him an opportunity.