Newcastle hit by Jonjo Shelvey injury ahead of Premier League season

LISBON: Newcastle United have suffered an injury scare just 10 days before their Premier League season kicks off with Jonjo Shelvey limping out of their Eusebio Cup pre-season loss to Benfica.

Head coach Eddie Howe admits it would be a huge blow for the Magpies should the experienced former Liverpool and England midfielder lose his race to be fit for Aug. 6.

Newcastle were beaten 3-2 at Estadio Da Luz on Tuesday, as the Eagles netted a last-gasp winner after the Magpies were reduced to 10 men.

Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring for the hosts before Miguel Almiron leveled things up, finishing off a fine team move. Alex Grimaldo then scored a fantastic, long-range free kick before Almiron again restored parity.

Shelvey’s injury disjointed the Magpies after the break, and so too did a red card for Joelinton, before Henrique Araujo sent Howe’s Magpies packing in the 89th minute.

Howe, impressed by his team’s performance, admits he is concerned by the injury suffered by Shelvey.

He said: “It is a hamstring. We don’t know yet whether it is a strain or cramp or how serious it is.

“We hope it isn’t serious because he has worked very hard to get himself in a really good physical position. That would be a huge blow for him and for us.”

On the result itself, Howe was more positive.

“A very good performance from us. I thought it was a very good game, very high quality. I thought it was a Premier League game in terms of standards. I thought the team was excellent,” he said.

“The goal at the end took the gloss off what was a very good performance. There are lots of good signs.

“They are a very good team and made it tough for us in the early stages but we withstood that and even after conceding, fought ourselves back into it.