Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe must decide how to replace Lewis Hall following his injury.
The 20-year-old missed the Magpies’ FA Cup defeat to Brighton, after sustaining a foot injury during the 2-0 loss against Liverpool.
Lewis Hall was excellent at Anfield, but it will prove to be his last Newcastle United appearance for a while.
The left-back has been ruled out for the rest of the season, which is a major blow ahead of the looming Carabao Cup final.
Bruno Guimaraes sent a message of support to Hall, as the Magpies prepare to play at Wembley and beyond without one of their star players this season.
Newcastle United handed positive Kieran Trippier news
The most likely solution will see Kieran Trippier come into the side and Tino Livramento move over to right-back.
That is how Newcastle started against Brighton last season, but that plan was cast into doubt during the defeat at St James’ Park.
Trippier was substituted in the 69th minute, with Eddie Howe stating that the 34-year-old was suffering from a back problem.
However, the issue appears to have subsided as Trippier has been spotted working alongside his teammates at the Newcastle United training ground ahead of Monday night’s game against West Ham.
That is a boost, and should result in the £12million right-back starting at the London Stadium – and at Wembley six days later.
Newcastle’s other Lewis Hall alternative
It seems all but certain that Livramento and Trippier will be Newcastle’s fullbacks in the aftermath of Hall’s injury.
However, Howe does two other options he could consider.
If the Newcastle United manager is adamant about having a left-footed left-back, Matt Targett is the player who Howe will turn to. However, Targett was not impressive against Brighton when he came off the bench.
Another alternative to Trippier is Emil Krafth. The Sweden international can play at right-back and centre-back, but it would be a surprise if Howe picked him ahead of Trippier.
Newcastle do not have the option of picking Lloyd Kelly, after he was loaned out to Juventus during the January transfer window. He was Hall’s understudy during the first half of the season, but has since been allowed to leave the club.
Dan Burn has also played a lot of football at left-back for the Magpies, but is needed in the middle of defence amid Sven Botman’s knee injury.
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