Fabian Schar shares what he heard Jamaal Lascelles doing immediately after his injury on Saturday

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Fabian Schar has recounted what it was like on the pitch when his Newcastle United teammate Jamaal Lascelles got injured on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was named in the Newcastle United starting XI alongside Fabian Schar, with Sven Botman unavailable due to injury. He suffered an ACL injury before the international break, and could be out of action for nine months.

It is a huge blow for Botman, but the injury presented Jamaal Lascelles with an opportunity. He deputised for the Dutchman brilliantly earlier this season, and now he had another chance to enjoy an extended run in the starting lineup.

However, it came to an end after 17 minutes. Lascelles challenged Michail Antonio for the ball in the penalty box, before hitting the deck in agony. It was immediately clear that he had a major problem, with the stretcher coming out to help him off the pitch.

Interestingly, Lascelles was able to wave off the stretcher and walk off the pitch, before doing a couple of practice runs along the touchline. The Newcastle captain strutted back onto the pitch, only to be replaced by Emil Krafth moments later – which was a strange decision at the time.

Regardless, Lascelles needed to come off, and it has since been confirmed that the defender has suffered an ACL injury. He is going to be out of action for six to nine months, which could force Newcastle to amend their summer transfer plans.

Fabian Schar shares what Jamaal Lascelles did immediately after suffering ACL injury

For Lascelles, it is a major blow, given the fact he was about to enjoy an extended run in the starting XI. But that run is already over, and his teammate Fabian Schar has detailed how he knew his friend was in trouble immediately after the incident.

Ahead of the Magpies’ game against Everton, Schar has been speaking to NUFC TV. He was asked about the injury Lascelles suffered on Saturday against West Ham.

“Heartbroken for him,” he said.

“I played next to him when it happened. I heard him screaming actually, so I knew it probably wasn’t great.

“It’s really tough. I feel really sorry for him, and also Sven. But I know they are strong and I’m sure they will come back in a good way.”

Injury heartbreak for Jamaal Lascelles creates other opportunities at Newcastle

Given how well he did earlier in the season and how important he has been over the years, it is such a shame to see Lascelles suffer a serious injury.

But while he was about to benefit from Botman’s absence, this injury will create another opportunity.

It could be Lewis Hall who benefits, if Eddie Howe decides to move Dan Burn to centre-back permanently. That will create a vacancy at left-back that Hall or Matt Targett could occupy. Both players have struggled for minutes this season, while Hall was excellent when he came on during the win over West Ham.

Alternatively, Paul Dummett could get the chance to play. He has not been a Newcastle regular since the Steve Bruce days, but is highly thought of by Howe, and could be used at centre-back.

While the injuries to Botman and Lascelles are devastating, Howe at least has a few options to take their place.