Eddie Howe was forced into a late change ahead of kick-off yesterday for Newcastle United as Javier Manquillo picked up a knock.
Javier Manquillo was set to play right-back for Newcastle in the final game of the Sela Cup yesterday, but pulled out at the last minute leaving Jacob Murphy to fill in at right-back.
Murphy took full advantage of the situation opening the scoring with a thunder cracker of a shot following a corner.
Manquillo picked up a knock which could scupper Howe’s transfer plans
Meanwhile Manquillo had to watch on from the sidelines while nursing an injury.
After the game Eddie Howe spoke to The Shields Gazette to clarify the issue, saying: “Just a slight groin complaint with Javier. We hope it’s nothing serious.” then going on to explain Murphy’s inclusion in his place.
“Jacob did that role for us last year,” said Howe. “Wherever I played him, whether it be left, right, on the wing, various positions, he was excellent for us and his attitude absolutely epitomised the squad.”
Javier Manquillo has been with Newcastle since 2017 when the then 23-year-old joined the Magpies after a season at Sunderland. Now 29, Manquillo is said to be one of the players Howe is looking to move on this summer.
Yesterday would have been an opportunity for Manquillo to show interested clubs what he can do, but now any potential transfer is in jeopardy if he’s carrying a knock.
Howe seems to think it’s nothing serious, but with no more opportunities for Manquillo to play ahead of the new season it’s going to be more difficult to convince clubs that he’s worth buying.
Newcastle might be better off waiting till January to offload Manquillo
In fairness to the Spaniard, he has shown this summer that he’s still got what it takes to play in the top flight, just maybe not at a team pushing for European places.
It won’t be the worst thing in the world if we can’t move him on this summer, especially with Emil Krafth still not fully fit after his ACL injury, and Tino Livramento also a risk having suffered the same.
If both are fully fit and showing no signs of any issues come January, maybe then it would be the best time to try and offload Manquillo.
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