Just when Newcastle fans were hoping for a smooth preseason, the club’s trip to South Korea has taken a worrying turn.
Joe Willock, the energetic midfielder who’s already had more than his fair share of injury troubles, was stretchered off late in their 1-0 defeat against a K-League XI on Wednesday.
A Late Collision Leaves Willock in Agony
The incident happened right at the end of the match, with Willock coming off worse after a collision.
It was serious enough that he couldn’t leave the pitch on his own—he needed a stretcher and medical support.
Although the club hasn’t confirmed the extent of the injury, there’s a palpable concern.
Manager Eddie Howe tried to sound hopeful when asked after the match, saying, “It didn’t look great on the pitch, but at this moment, it doesn’t look like a major, major injury.
Fingers crossed, because Joe has suffered enough.”
Preseason Woes Keep Piling Up
Willock’s injury is just the latest in a growing list of problems for Newcastle this summer.
What should have been an exciting preseason for the Champions League qualifiers has instead been plagued by missed transfer targets, injury setbacks, and the looming uncertainty surrounding key players.
With just weeks until the new season kicks off, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Alexander Isak’s Future Still in Limbo
Adding to the tension is the situation with star forward Alexander Isak.
The Swedish striker stayed back in Tyneside, citing a groin injury, and won’t be joining the squad in Seoul.
But that’s not the only reason people are talking about him—rumors of a possible move to Liverpool are heating up.
Despite the speculation, manager Eddie Howe insists there’s been no official offer.
“He is still our player,” Howe said on Tuesday.
“He’s contracted to us, and to a degree, we control what’s next. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not fully in my control.”
Newcastle Looking for Reinforcements Up Front
Aware that they might lose Isak, Newcastle are already exploring potential replacements.
Yoane Wissa and Benjamin Sesko are top of the list, while Ollie Watkins and Nicolas Jackson are also being considered.
The striker situation is clearly a priority for the recruitment team.
Midfield Concerns Grow After Longstaff Departure
On top of that, Sean Longstaff’s move to Leeds has left a gap in the midfield.
And now, with Willock potentially facing time on the sidelines, Newcastle may have no choice but to bring in another central midfielder sooner rather than later.
The combination of injuries, transfer uncertainty, and a growing list of urgent needs has put the club in a tough spot.
What started as a summer of promise is slowly turning into a preseason puzzle Eddie Howe and his team will need to solve—quickly.