Ryan Fraser has been barred from participating in first-team training, according to reports this morning. Craig Hope of The Mail reports in an exclusive that the winger is training with the U21s and is unlikely to return to the senior squad this season.
The Scottish international was spotted in last week’s ‘Toon in training’, so this appears to be a recent development. He was, however, left out of the squad that lost to Liverpool last Saturday.
Fraser had made his first appearance since the FA Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday in the 1-1 draws against West Ham and Bournemouth. His last appearance was against Everton in October.
Since early in the season, the 28-year-old has been the subject of exit rumors. He reportedly pushed to leave during the summer window, but Howe kept him after he was unable to land a wide forward.
Anthony Gordon arrived last month, and Fraser is said to be available to leave. Nothing came of it, despite reports of loan interest from Premier League and Championship clubs.
Fraser was notorious for refusing to extend his contract with Bournemouth in 2020 to cover the final months of the Covid-19 postponed season under Howe. The head coach stated early in his tenure at Newcastle that any issues with Ryan were long resolved.
Fraser has started just three league games this season after having his best season as a Magpie following Howe’s arrival last season. Miguel Almiron‘s form has stymied any chances of starting on the right wing, while Howe has primarily used Allan Saint-Maximin or Joelinton on the left.
If this report is correct, Fraser’s time at Newcastle is coming to an end. He signed as a free agent in 2020 and has made 59 appearances with three goals and six assists since then. This summer, his contract will expire after two years.
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