Lewis Miley injury update - Eddie Howe speaks after Newcastle star misses Gateshead draw

High hopes hang over Lewis Miley this coming season. Once a teenage sensation, the Stanley-born midfielder has not only turned 20 but grown into his 6ft 4" frame.

Everyone on Tyneside is aware of his immense potential and maturity beyond his years, but 2026/27 feels like a huge season regarding his fitness.

After back issues in his first full season, a broken foot and more recently a fibula break that forced him to undergo surgery in May, we're all hoping he spends the coming campaign in the team, not on the treatment table.

Eddie Howe has been speaking about the midfielder's recovery from that freak leg break, and it sounds like he's making solid progress.

Miley eyeing La Manga

Eddie Howe has issued an update on Lewis Miley's recovery from surgery, hinting at a return to action ahead of our pre-season trip to La Manga.

Tonight's clash with Bristol City will come too soon for the midfielder, who recently penned a new long-term deal, but we may see the local lad in action against Valencia a week on Saturday.

Speaking after Miley missed our 1-1 draw at Gateshead last weekend, Howe said:

"Lewis Miley is making really good progress. 

"We think he will be back in La Manga to train."

Elsewhere, Will Osula and Sven Botman both missed Saturday's draw with minor issues, while Joelinton is still building back from an end-of-season injury, with Tino Livramento in a similar position after withdrawing from England's World Cup squad.

Howe: We've missed Miley 

Last season, we not only saw Miley's composure in midfield, but his versatility as he filled in seamlessly at right-back.

Howe clearly values his ability to plug gaps, but has previously spoken highly of his athleticism, height, composure and decision-making, often showing calmness and class well beyond his years.

"He’s been missed massively. Sometimes with players, you know how important they are and with Lewie, we knew all his attributes and how good he is, but he’s added some new strings to his bow in recent games with the versatility.

"Suddenly, when we’ve lost that, you don’t just lose one player, you lose almost three or four in one player. His composure on the ball, his decision-making, his height, his athleticism, we’ve missed all of those aspects in his performance.

"Yes, he’s only 19 (turned 20 in May), and he’s still getting better and improving all the time, but we’ve got an unbelievable player on our hands, and we’ll be delighted to get him back on the pitch."

After a few seasons disrupted by unfortunate injuries, hopefully 2026/27 is the year Miley not only stays fit, but becomes a mainstay in Howe's new-look midfield following the loss of Sandro Tonali.