Lewis Hall has left Newcastle United’s training camp in Spain and returned to Tyneside earlier than planned. Although the club insists he is dealing with a minor fitness concern, his departure has come at a time when Manchester United are being strongly linked with a move for the highly rated left-back.

Injury concern or transfer development?

Newcastle United’s build-up to the new season under head coach Matthias Jaissle has suffered a notable setback after Hall’s exit from their training base in Spain. The 21-year-old left-back has flown back from La Manga, where the Magpies have been on a week-long camp, and will continue training separately in the North East.

The situation is made more intriguing by the fact that Hall has drawn serious interest from Manchester United in this transfer window. Michael Carrick’s side are understood to be looking for defensive additions, especially on the left side where injuries have caused repeated problems in recent seasons. Even so, Newcastle remain firm in their stance that the young defender is not for sale.

Training update from Tyneside

The Athletic reported that Hall flew back on Friday along with team-mates Fabian Schar and Lewis Miley. All three players are expected to miss Saturday evening’s friendly against Valencia in Spain, which will be Jaissle’s first official match in charge since taking over.

Hall is expected to return to grass training on Tyneside this Sunday as he looks to show he is fit for the rest of pre-season. There is a chance he could be back in the matchday squad for Wednesday’s friendly against Everton at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. If that fixture comes too early for him, the medical staff are likely to target the two practice matches at St James' Park next weekend to help him get important minutes.

Selection issues for Matthias Jaissle

Hall’s absence leaves Jaissle facing a major selection problem as he gets ready for his first outing in the dugout. Newcastle’s defensive options are currently stretched, particularly with Dan Burn still to rejoin the main squad after his involvement with England at the World Cup.

The issue is compounded by the condition of Tino Livramento, who is still being carefully managed as he works his way back from a number of long-term injuries. With no other senior full-backs available in the travelling squad at present, the Magpies appear short on both flanks.

Youth set for chance against Valencia

Because of the shortage of experienced options, Jaissle is expected to rely on some of the club’s younger players for the meeting with Valencia. Leo Shahar, the 19-year-old right-back, and 22-year-old defender Alex Murphy are both in contention to start in Spain. The pair will be keen to catch the eye of the new head coach, but facing La Liga opposition will present a serious test of their level.