Two key Newcastle United players set to miss opening day Aston Villa clash

Newcastle United are set to be without Emil Krafth and Joe Willock for Saturday’s (August 12) opening day Premier League fixture against Aston Villa at St James’ Park.

Both players are recovering from injuries. The Shields Gazette has reported that Krafth is back in training after suffering a serious ACL injury last year, while Willock is still recovering from a hamstring injury picked up towards the end of last season.

Fabian Schar also picked up a hamstring injury in pre-season, but Howe is hoping the centre-back will be available for the Villa game.

Newcastle have no other injury concerns heading into the fixture against Unai Emery’s men. Toon boss Eddie Howe told the Gazette: “We’re getting everyone back to full fitness around the same time. The only two players who will definitely be missing the start of the season are Emil Krafth and Joe Willock.”

Transfer update

In the latest Villa transfer news, the club are said to be willing to lose Douglas Luiz if they can secure a replacement.

According to Football Insider, the Lions are interested in a move for Leeds United star Tyler Adams, and should they get him, Luiz would be expected to move on. It’s claimed Tottenham would be interested in Luiz, who finds himself slipping down the pecking order at Villa Park amid increasing competition.

Crucially, though, Villa face real competition over Adams amid interest from Chelsea, so Luiz’s future remains unclear as the new season, and indeed the end of the transfer window, draws closer.

Read more about the latest AVFC transfer news, here.