Eddie Howe’s men arrived at Adidas’ global headquarters in Herzogenaurach on Monday with all fit non-international players and several youngsters present.
In the images released by the club over the last few days, supporters have been able to piece together which players have travelled, and Targett is among the notable absences.
It has now been confirmed by the player himself that he has remained in the North East. A video posted on Instagram shows Targett working in the gym at Newcastle’s Benton training base.
The 28-year-old is working his way back from an injury plagued campaign last time out. Targett spent four months after undergoing hamstring injury before sustaining an Achilles injury that extended into the off-season. His last appearance was in November.
Frustratingly for Targett, he has started just seven Premier League matches since joining permanently from Aston Villa for £15million in the summer of 2022. In the previous four months when he was on loan, the full-back started 16 games.
And he faces a huge battle to win his place back in the starting XI. Lewis Hall ended last season as the club’s first choice left-back and has completed a permanent move from Chelsea for an initial £28million.
Howe also has Lloyd Kelly and Dan Burn for back-up with the former joining on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth.
