Eddie Howe has insisted that former Napoli defender Federico Fernandez still has a part to play at Newcastle United.
Fernandez is yet to feature in pre-season after picking up an injury and last played in the Premier League back in December when Howe won his first game in charge of the Magpies in a narrow 1-0 win over Burnley. The centre-back didn't train with the main group during an intense training session in Saalfelden amid scorching conditions.
When asked about 33-year-old Fernandez's status, Howe, speaking in a Press briefing in Austria, said: "Fede has picked up a minimal calf injury. It’s tight but we’re taking it carefully to build him back up before he trains.
"Fede, as I’ve said many times, is one of the leaders of the group - a very positive influence around the players so I’m delighted he’s here. We hope to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible."
United face Mainz 05 in Austria today to round off their eight day stay in the country. The Magpies will jet home this evening before being reunited with families and then heading back on tour later this week, this time to Portugal for more warm weather training.
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