Yesterday, as Newcastle United prepare for the new season, they played their third pre-season friendly, taking on their most difficult opposition so far, FC Porto.
Newcastle produced a solid defensive display and earned a very creditable 0-0 draw, a result that should stand them in good stead for the new season.
Unfortunately, the result came at a cost.
Our French defender, Florian Lejeune picked up an injury that will see him miss the start of the season, with Rafael Benitez remarking in his post-match press conference,
Lejuene will need an operation. Rafa: “We could lose him for a while. Bad news for us.” #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) July 28, 2018
With the depth of the squad not what it should be, this is a bitter blow for both Newcastle and our 27-year-old Parisian born defender.
It’s a blow which many believe will see Rafael forced into the transfer market for another defender:
#nufc now believed to be looking for ANOTHER centre-back after Lejeune injury.
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) July 28, 2018
It remains to be seen who, in such a short time available before the transfer window slams shut, who the club can bring in.
However, here at Vital Newcastle United, I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing Florian Lejeune a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him pull on a Newcastle shirt again.