Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will assess knocks on Jamal Lewis and Federico Fernandez in the latest leg of the club's mini European tour. Both players are edging closer towards playing in pre-season after watching from the stands against 1860 Munich and Mainz 05.
The former Argentina international did not train in the latter part of the trip to Austria last week while former Norwich City star Jamal Lewis trained alone with the physio. Howe is expected to give both players a chance after they played bit-part roles last season.
Lewis was not registered for Howe's 25-man Premier League squad last January but the Toon boss has hinted he will assess him this summer. Newcastle now face a couple of games in Portugal starting with a behind closed doors training game against Burnley culminating with a clash against Benfica on Tuesday evening.
On Fernandez, Howe said: "Fede has picked up a minimal calf injury. It’s tight but we’re taking it carefully to build him back up before he trains.
"Fede, as I’ve said many times, is one of the leaders of the group - a very positive influence around the players so I’m delighted he’s here. We hope to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible."
And on Lewis, Howe commented: "I’d love to see him back in pre-season and show us the player he can be."
READ NEXT
- Bruno's ambitious double aim this season with Newcastle United and Brazil
- New partnership at St James' Park will shape future of Newcastle United
- Eddie Howe confirms who will be club captain and why
- Eddie Howe makes candid statement over Newcastle attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike
- Newcastle United must wait on Armando Broja
