Nabil Bentaleb reacts to 'weird' return to the field for Newcastle United

Bentaleb, signed on loan from Schalke 04 in Janaury, scored with a 25-yard strike in a practice match at St James's Park this afternoon.

The, which ended 1-1, was the first at the stadium since late February. Premier League football was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Bentaleb admitted it was “weird” being back on the field.

“A little bit weird, I’m not going to lie, but it feels great playing 11 against 11,” said the midfielder. “It was good. We’ve been working really hard lately. It was good to be back at St James’s. I think everybody is happy. We enjoyed. Hopefully, we’ll be ready.”

On his goal, Bentaleb said: “I was more looking forward to getting the 90 minutes in my legs, and I managed to score a goal.”