Newcastle United duo to miss final friendly

Emil Krafth and new signing Jeff Hendrick will both miss Newcastle United’s final friendly of pre-season against Stoke City on Saturday having been called up for international duty.

By Richard Mennear

Published 30th Aug 2020, 12:30 BST

Hendrick made his Newcastle debut on Saturday in the 2-1 friendly win over Barnsley, playing the opening hour, while Andy Carroll scored the opener – which was his second goal in two games after scoring against Crewe Alexandra in midweek.

Hendrick – who has 54 caps and two goals – has been named in Stephen Kenny's first Republic of Ireland squad against Bulgaria in Sofia on Thursday, 3rd September and Finland in Dublin on Sunday, 6th September.

Meanwhile, Krafth has been named in the Sweden squad for UEFA Nations League games against France on Saturday, 5th September and Portugal on Tuesday, 8th September, both in Solna.

A club statement read: “Both players will therefore miss Newcastle United's final pre-season friendly of the summer, against Stoke City on Saturday, 5th September.”