Newcastle United ended a torrid run of form with a 3-1 victory over Brighton at the weekend but respite from bad news doesn’t last long on Tyneside at the moment.
Eddie Howe’s side had suffered five straight defeats across all competitions prior to the weekend. The three points against the Seagulls has ignited some faint hope of European qualification next season.
However, Newcastle will have to aim for those ambitions without the services of a key first team star in Lewis Miley. The club confirmed a serious injury blow picked up by the player this week.
Newcastle United confirm Lewis Miley injury
A club statement on Tuesday read: “Lewis Miley will miss the remaining three matches of the season after fracturing his fibula.
“The 20-year-old midfielder sustained the injury to his lower right leg during training on Tuesday.
“He will travel to a specialist consultant on Wednesday before continuing his rehabilitation with the club’s medical team, and is expected to return for the start of pre-season. Wishing you a speedy recovery, @LewisMiley1.”
The 20-year-old has been one of few standout stars this season. Miley has been reliable and looked adept even when playing out of position, comfortable at full-back.
Miley was deployed at right-back against Brighton and kept the tricky Kaoru Mitoma quiet – not an easy job. The player had made 34 appearances across all competitions this term and recently missed seven Premier League matches in February and March with a dead leg.
Eddie Howe hails ‘incredible player’
It’s a huge blow for Newcastle United, and one that may have left wingers of upcoming opponents licking their lips. The Magpies face Nottingham Forest this weekend before hosting West Ham the week after.
Speaking about Miley in February, Howe had said: “An incredible player, an incredible talent.
“We knew he could play in different positions but this year it has really come to the fore.
“He’s done so well at right-back. Sometimes he has played at centre-half, he has taken every single position in his stride.
“He’s adding qualities all the time to his game, adding new things, but I think deep down you’ve got a really, really good technical footballer who’s a great athlete.
“He’s also a great person and a great character, so I think you put all those qualities together, I think you’ve got a great player.”
In other news, Newcastle United plot £35m hijack of West Ham move for ‘excellent’ La Liga star.
