Newcastle attacker Jacob Murphy is nursing an achilles injury, Eddie Howe confirms | OneFootball

Newcastle United suffered a 2-1 loss to Barcelona at St James’ Park yesterday. The Geordies fought a good fight, but the Spanish side was just too strong.

Well-known foe Marcus Rashford returned to England and netted two well-taken goals against Newcastle, and the Toons could not respond until the dying moments.

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon steered in a cross to make it 2-1, but Barca extinguished any ideas of another late goal with excellent game management.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe came under fire after starting big-money summer signing Nick Woltemade and attacker Jacob Murphy on the bench.

Woltemade’s case wasn’t that surprising. He asked Howe to come off in Newcastle’s last outing versus Wolverhampton Wanderers after scoring the winner.

The German international reportedly experienced cramps and is adjusting to the Premier League’s pace.

In Murphy’s case, though, Howe revealed that he is nursing an injury.

The manager said (via Chronicle Live): “It was a really difficult one for Nick, of course, any player would want to start every game, but I have to try to manage him into the team.

“And make sure he stays fit, and that was always at the heart of this decision. Knowing that we have Anthony suspended for the next game as well.

“It is the same for Jacob Murphy as well, he is nursing an Achilles problem, and we just want to keep the majority of the squad as fit and healthy for as long as possible.”

Newcastle fans will hope Murphy can put the injury behind him soon. He showed why he is vital for the club against Barca, providing the cross for Gordon’s goal.

The 30-year-old also laid on the assist for Woltemade’s goal versus Wolves over the weekend.