Newcastle United have been handed a major injury boost after young midfielder Lewis Miley was pictured back on the grass at the KNOX training centre, just two months after suffering a fractured fibula.
Miley's injury and recovery timeline
Miley picked up the innocuous injury in training back in May and missed the final three matches of the 2026/27 season after undergoing surgery, with a club statement stating he was expected to return for the start of pre-season.
Expanding on that statement in the next press conference, Eddie Howe seemed to temper expectations over how quickly he may return, as he said: "It was a really innocuous moment, really, training on Tuesday, no one around him, there was no other player involved. He slipped and went down. We probably at that moment thought maybe just a twist or something, nothing too serious, but he was unable to continue."
"Pretty early we sort of became aware it was a little bit more serious than we thought. That's the fragile nature of a professional footballer's career. Now he faces a few months out, we hope that he'll be back in and around for pre-season. It's a real shame because he was playing really well, outstanding in recent weeks, we really missed him when he got his injury last time."
"A real blow for us but also for Lewy and knowing the strength of character he'll be back and he'll be back better than ever but it's going to be a blow for him and for us."
Pre-season training return
So it was a welcome sight to see Miley back with the rest of his Newcastle team-mates at the KNOX training centre on the first day of pre-season training, undergoing individual testing and some strength work on his legs.
On Tuesday, the club's social media channels then uploaded a video compilation of Miley back on the grass and doing some running while also having a jovial chat with Howe as he gears up for a more important role this season.
Miley has already gained extensive experience across the last three seasons, making 80 appearances for the first team across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
As well as excelling in midfield, a teenage Miley also featured as a right-back and a centre-half and his versatility, as well as his quality in midfield, has been a huge boost for Howe.
Expected role after Tonali departure
But after Sandro Tonali's move to Tottenham this summer, a 20-year-old Miley is expected to become a regular starter in Newcastle's midfield as the club continue to show faith in a player who has just been handed a six-year deal earlier this summer.
Speaking after Miley signed a new deal at the club, Howe hinted he feels he is ready to go to another level in his development.
"Lewis fully deserves his new contract as recognition for everything he has achieved over the last few years," Howe said. "It's also a reflection of the potential for further growth that we all see in him."
"He's earned every opportunity and has proven himself to be more than capable of performing at the highest level. Players like Lewis are a dream to work with - not only is he immensely talented, he's keen to learn and approaches everything with a brilliant attitude."
"His versatility has proven to be a major plus and his willingness to try new roles is a reflection of his selfless approach to the team. I'm really looking forward to seeing Lewis back in action next season and I'm confident he will continue to go from strength to strength."
Next steps: pre-season matches and Premier League opener
The next question is when Miley will be fit to feature in pre-season matches, with the Magpies facing Darlington, Gateshead, Bristol City, Valencia, Everton, Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg in a packed schedule before their Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 23.
But to see him on schedule and back running on the training pitches at Benton should serve as a huge boost to the player, Howe and supporters ahead of a huge season on a personal level for the England under-21 international.
