Newcastle star is taken off on stretcher after suffering worrying injury during preseason friendly - just weeks before new season kicks off

20 hours ago 7

By TUM BALOGUN

Published: 14:53 BST, 30 July 2025 | Updated: 14:53 BST, 30 July 2025

Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock was taken off on a stretcher during the Magpies' 1-0 defeat by the K-League XI on Wednesday. 

The former Arsenal youngster came off worst in a collision at the end of the match and needed assistance to depart the field.

The Magpies have not yet confirmed the problem or its severity, but manager Eddie Howe expressed confidence that Willock has avoided a 'major, major injury'. 

'I don't have a major update yet but it didn't look great on the pitch,' said Howe. 'But at this moment, it doesn't look like a major, major injury. And fingers crossed it's not, because Joe has suffered enough. Hopefully he's OK.'

Willock's potential injury just weeks before the start of the new campaign is the latest in a series of unwanted issues to hit the club this summer. 

Newcastle were expected to make great strides in the market after qualifying for the Champions League for the second time in the last three years but they have missed out on several targets and look set to part with their star forward Alexander Isak. 

Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock was taken off on a stretcher during the Magpies' 1-0 defeat by the K-League XI on Wednesday

Eddie Howe admitted that the incident didn't look good but seemed confident Willock has not sustained a 'major, major injury'

The Swede remains at home on Tyneside after reporting a groin injury and will not be joining his team-mates here in Seoul during the next six days. The 25-year-old wants a move to Anfield but has three years to run on his Newcastle contract, with no release clause.

Speaking from the South Korean capital on Tuesday, Howe told Mail Sport there has not been a formal offer from any club for Isak, as he said: ‘He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.’

He added: ‘We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.’

Newcastle are working on deals for more than one striker right now, aware that Isak could go. Yoane Wissa and Benjamin Sesko are the most active pursuits, with Ollie Watkins and Nicolas Jackson also on their radar.

Sean Longstaff's sale to Leeds necessitated the acquisition of a midfielder. An injury to Willock will only increase the urgency. 

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