Newcastle United have been handed another injury concern during the international break after a key player reportedly picked up a hamstring injury while training with the France Under-21s.
According to Le Parisien journalist Benjamin Quarez, Jaouen injured his right hamstring during Thursday morning’s training session and has subsequently been ruled out of the rest of France’s current camp.
The goalkeeper will therefore miss France’s upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Luxembourg on Saturday and Switzerland on Tuesday, with both matches scheduled to take place in Orléans.
Jaouen had featured in both of France Under-21s’ opening matches during the international window, starting the 1-1 draw against Iceland before keeping his place for the 2-0 victory over Estonia.
Fresh setback after recent ankle problem
The latest injury is another setback for Jaouen after he previously suffered an ankle problem during a Newcastle training session earlier this month.
He was unavailable for Newcastle’s victory over Hull before the international break, making his two appearances for France a positive sign following a disrupted September.
However, Le Parisien reports that Jaouen was due to undergo further examinations on Thursday evening to determine the extent of the hamstring injury.
That leaves some uncertainty over whether he will be fit when Newcastle return to action against Coventry on October 12.
Newcastle do at least have experienced goalkeeper Nick Pope available should Jaouen be sidelined for an extended period. Pope could also be called upon for the Carabao Cup trip to Everton later this month if the youngster has not recovered.
Lewis Miley also leaves England Under-21 camp
Jaouen’s injury was not the only concern for Newcastle during Thursday’s international developments, with Lewis Miley also withdrawing from England Under-21 duty after suffering a knock in training.
Newcastle have already seen Tino Livramento withdraw from England’s senior squad during the international break, while Amar Dedić was unable to join up with Bosnia and Herzegovina after aggravating a hamstring issue during the match against Leeds.
The Magpies will now hope Jaouen’s latest problem is not serious and that the club can avoid further injury setbacks before domestic football resumes.
With several players already dealing with fitness issues, Newcastle will be hoping their international contingent returns to the club in good health.
