NEWCASTLE United are sweating on the fitness of Jonjo Shelvey as they await the results of a scan to his hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old midfielder missed both friendlies against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao over the weekend after limping off in the second half of their defeat to Benfica earlier in the week.

With the Magpies season getting underway at the end of this week against Nottingham Forest, there is no confirmation over whether he will be available for the first game of the season at St James’ Park.

Head coach Eddie Howe said: “We’re awaiting some scan results and a couple of opinions on his hamstring injury.

“It looks like there is some nerve damage and we’re awaiting to see if the extent of the damage to the hamstring, if there is any at all.”

Shelvey is three games away from triggering an automatic contract extension with the club. 200 appearances for the Magpies will see him extend his stay on Tyneside until the summer of 2024.