Eddie Howe says Willock incident “doesn’t look like a major injury”
Newcastle United’s troubled pre-season tour continued on Wednesday as they slumped to a third consecutive defeat, losing 1-0 to a K League XI in South Korea.
The Magpies also faced another blow besides the score, with midfielder Joe Willock stretchered off late on following an ankle injury.
Eddie Howe’s side have looked off pace in the transfer market, and their performance on the pitch has been no different.
Their Korean opponents were much sharper and took a deserved lead in the first half through Jin-Gyu Kim’s excellent strike into the top corner.
Anthony Elanga came closest for Newcastle in the first half, forcing a fingertip save from goalkeeper Jo Hyeonwoo that clipped the crossbar.
Despite creating better opportunities after the break, the Magpies failed to find an equaliser. Will Osula, who was standing in for want-away man Alexander Isak, missed several chances to pull them level, while Anthony Gordon struck wide late on.
Willock’s injury occurred in the final minute, following a challenge with Cesar Fernando Cesinha.
“It didn’t look great on the pitch,” Howe said afterwards. “But at this moment, it doesn’t look like a major injury. Fingers crossed it’s not, because Joe has suffered enough. Hopefully he’s okay.”
