Newcastle United kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 victory over Darlington in a behind-closed-doors friendly at their Benton training ground on Saturday. The Magpies, who had been back in training for less than a week, used the match to test players' fitness and statistics after the summer break.
How the Match Unfolded
Eddie Howe fielded two different XIs in each half against the National League North side. The first half featured a strong lineup of senior first-team players complemented by a few youngsters, including Alex Murphy at centre-half alongside Sven Botman, Leo Shahar at right-back, and 18-year-old Sean Steur making his debut in midfield after his move from Ajax. The second half saw a completely different starting XI, with French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen replacing Nick Pope and Sean Neave also featuring in a very youthful lineup.
Three Key Absentees
Despite being back in training, three senior players were not involved against Darlington: Fabian Schar, Joelinton, and Lewis Miley. The trio are being carefully managed after suffering injury issues at the end of last season. A fourth player, Tino Livramento, has yet to return to training after undergoing minor surgery last month for a calf injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.
Fabian Schar's Recovery
Schar is being nursed back after missing the last five months of the season. He initially suffered an ankle ligament injury in Newcastle's 4-3 win over Leeds United in January, and a subsequent foot infection prevented his return. The former Deportivo La Coruna defender signed a one-year contract extension and expressed his desire to be ready for the start of the season. "I'm going to need some time to adapt after being out for such a long period but I feel confident in my body and myself. I'm going to use this pre-season to come back as strongly as possible," he said.
Joelinton and Miley's Setbacks
Joelinton missed the last couple of games of the season with a thigh injury, having also suffered groin and shin problems during a difficult 2025/26 campaign. The medical and rehab staff at Newcastle are ensuring he builds a solid fitness base before playing in any games. Lewis Miley, meanwhile, was pictured training this week as he continues his return from a broken leg suffered in a freak training ground injury in April. He hopes to be fit for the start of the new season.
Upcoming Fixtures and Returns
The 22 players who featured against Darlington will be in contention for the short trip to Gateshead at the International Stadium on Saturday, where fans will get their first look at the team since May. The squad could be bolstered by Anthony Elanga, who returned to training at the end of the week after time off following his World Cup exploits for Sweden. German duo Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw are expected back to training this week and could come into contention for the Gateshead game, although it is more likely they will return for the trip to Bristol City.
