Jaissle reveals Dedic concern and Fernandez-Pardo plan after Millwall win

Newcastle United progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup last night, seeing off Millwall 1-0 at the Den.

It wasn't a great game or a particularly convincing performance, but it's job done for Matthias Jaissle's Mags as Joe Willock's late strike sent us through.

Jaissle spoke to the media after the game, discussing one new injury concern, Matias Fernandez-Pardo's fitness and his thoughts on the game itself.

Dedic knock and Fernandez-Pardo's 'pre-season'

Amar Dedic was taken off at Millwall after he 'felt his hamstring', Matthias Jaissle has revealed.

Tino Livramento replaced the Bosnian at half-time, although it's hoped the 24-year-old's withdrawal was a precautionary move more than anything, with Dedic set to be assessed ahead of our trip to Leeds on Monday.

"Amar felt his hamstring a little bit, so we didn't want to take any risk. 

"But it was also planned that Tino [Livramento] gets a bit more minutes than last time." 

Jaissle then discussed Fernandez-Pardo's latest cameo, insisting we 'need to be careful' with the 21-year-old, who is taking part in his own mini pre-season at Newcastle after missing out on Lille's preparations.

"We need to be careful with such a young player who didn't play for a long time over 90 minutes. 

"So therefore we see him almost like in a pre-season at the moment. We take that slowly and step by step.

"And then if there's time to start, we will start with him."

His lack of minutes since May 18th - Lille's last game of 2025/26 - explains why the Belgian has started on the bench in each of our matches since completing a £51m move.

Jaissle: Physical levels improving 

Discussing the match, Jaissle was happy to see the team stronger physically in the first half after such a slow start to Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

"I think it's never easy playing here against Millwall. So we were aware of it, we faced it and we did it.

"I'm proud how the lads were dealing with the challenge, how the lads also improved, especially compared to the first half against Bournemouth, when it comes to the physical level, to the fundamentals of the game. So therefore we're really pleased."

It wasn't pretty, but it's a win, we're through and we remain unbeaten. For a young side that's endured so much change over the summer, five points from a possible nine in the league, coupled with two cup wins, is a strong return