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.