Eddie Howe provides update on Newcastle United player after being ruled out for several months

Joe Willock marked his latest return from injury with an influential display in Newcastle United’s 4-1 win against Urawa Red Diamonds.
The 240-year-old played the opening 45 minutes and a part in both Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy’s goals before Murphy and Hall extended Newcastle’s advantage in the second half.

It was Willock’s first match since suffering an Achilles injury setback at Fulham in April. He missed the majority of the 2023-24 campaign, being ruled out for 33 matches in total.

Willock showed his pace and athleticism, first to send Isak in on goal before doing the same again for Murphy. United boss Eddie Howe was delighted to see the former Arsenal man back on the field and still believes there is more to come.

“I think Joe will be the first to admit that there is more to come,” Howe said after the match. “He’s had some good training with us, he’s been training for a period of time but there is nothing like games – that is the only thing that can take your game back to where it was.

“Today was his first taste, 45 minutes was planned for him and Sean [Longstaff] tonight. Pleased that both came through with no problems.

“You can see his qualities, the assist for the first goal, the breaks from midfield, the energetic the box-to-box ability – he’s a goal threat and goal creator as well. Massive player, we’ve missed him and that was his first steps back today.”

Next up for Newcastle is Yokohama F. Marinos at the Japan National Stadium on Saturday, August 3 (11am kick-off BST/7pm local time) before they head back to England for their final two friendly matches against Girona and Brest at St James’ Park.

Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar and Lloyd Kelly are expected to be involved after being left out of the squad versus Urawa.