Aleksandar Mitrovic Could Make Newcastle Debut - With Two More In Line For Returns At York

Mitrovic could play in the famous black-and-white shirt for the first time.

by Chris Waugh
Aleksandar Mitrovic could make his Newcastle United debut at York City, while Cheick Tiote is in line for a return to the side. Unfortunately for the Magpies, however, Chancel Mbemba has still not been granted a work permit - his FA hearing is on Thursday - so he will be unable to pull on the black-and-white shirt for the first time until at least the weekend. Steve McClaren's side have registered two wins, two losses and a draw from their five pre-season matches to date. After their trip to York, they just Borussia Mönchengladbach left to play at St James' Park on Saturday before their opening Premier League fixture against Southampton. New £13 million signing Mitrovic had been unable to train with the Magpies squad until Tuesday as he waited for a work visa. However, that has now been granted and he is back on Tyneside having returned to Serbia for a period. Speaking about the chances of Mitrovic playing a part in the friendly at Bootham Crescent on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.45pm), McClaren said on Sunday:
"He's (Mitrovic's) had a few days away on his own because of the situation but we expect him to come in on Tuesday and we'll assess him and see whether he's ready, and then see if he's right for a few minutes on Wednesday or whether he should wait until Saturday."
This game may come a little too soon for Mitrovic - although he could be given a few minutes off the bench towards the end - but defensive-midfielder Tiote is expected to return after visa problems robbed him of a trip to the US. McClaren said of Tiote:
"Cheicky is back in training. He had a little niggle on his knee but hopefully he's back now."
Meanwhile, Fabricio Coloccini could also play some part against York City after nursing an Achilles injury in recent weeks, meaning he is yet to step on to the field for even a solitary minute of pre-season football. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
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Contributor

NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.