Jonjo Shelvey is facing a 'battle to be fit' for the start of the new Premier League season after sustaining an injury in training, according to Lee Ryder.

The lowdown

The 29-year-old was watching on from the stands as Newcastle took on York City in their first pre-season match of the summer on Sunday.

The midfielder started 29 league matches for the Magpies last season, averaging 1.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 5.8 accurate long balls and 1.2 key passes per game (via WhoScored).

Last year, Steve Bruce said that Shelvey is a player 'blessed with natural ability' and hailed his 'outstanding' performances.

He is not the only injury concern for Newcastle, with Joelinton forced off after 15 minutes against York at the weekend.

The latest

Bruce revealed that Shelvey was doing some independent running when he picked up the injury, and that he'd be missing for 'a while just yet'.

Ryder added that the 29-year-old is a doubt for the season-opening clash against West Ham United on 15 August, tweeting "Jonjo Shelvey facing battle to be fit for start of new season" in accompaniment to his corresponding article for Chronicle Live.

The verdict

It's been a pretty bruising pre-season already for Newcastle. On top of the Joelinton and Shelvey injuries, Martin Dubravka is set to miss the visit of the Hammers next month with a foot problem (via Daily Mail).

Given that Isaac Hayden is now back from his knee injury, Newcastle should be able to cope if Shelvey doesn't win his race to be fit for 15 August, by which stage they'll also hope to have Joe Willock at their disposal.

If the Arsenal man doesn't return to Tyneside by then, however, Shelvey's potential absence could be more acutely felt.

In other news, this Newcastle star has been tipped to seek a move away.