Newcastle United’s injury crisis gets worse and worse.
Just days after the club had confirmed Sven Botman suffered a second series knee injury of the season, Newcastle were dealt problems during Saturday’s thrilling win over West Ham.
Indeed, despite closing the gap on the Premier League’s top seven, more issues emerged for Eddie Howe and his coaching staff.
All of Jamaal Lascelles, Miguel Almiron and Tino Livramento were forced off at St James’ Park, with pundit Joe Cole suggesting the extent of Newcastle’s problems were not purely down to bad luck.
He’s of the view that something the club are doing behind closed doors is the reason for just how many players keep getting injured.
Such has been the relentless nature of this season, Howe and his side have little time to rest.
While it remains to be seen if either Almiron or Livramento play against Everton on Tuesday night, the news surrounding Lascelles is very different indeed.
On Easter Sunday, the club confirmed Lascelles had suffered an ACL injury and was expected to miss around six to nine months.
Tim Krul responds to big Jamaal Lascelles injury blow for Newcastle
Lascelles has been an important figure this season, doing well at times when replacing Botman after his first injury.
He’s clearly someone Howe rates even if he surely wouldn’t have played so often had it not been for the Dutchman’s absence.
The 30-year-old was previously a key player during the Rafa Benitez years too and former teammate Tim Krul sent him well wishes following confirmation of the blow from the club on Instagram, responding with a prayer emoji and a power one too.
Jamaal Lascelles injury could provide a chance for Lewis Hall
Though Paul Dummett and Emil Kratfh – who Howe has both hailed this season – are options to replace Lascelles alongside Fabian Schar, perhaps it could be the break Lewis Hall is waiting for.
Were Dan Burn to move into central defence then Hall could feasibly play at left-back, having been praised for his performance against West Ham on Saturday.
It’s difficult to put a positive spin on two defenders picking up ACL injuries in successive games of course but Hall could perhaps benefit.
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