In the lead-up to Newcastle United’s recent victory against Fulham, manager Eddie Howe has disclosed that another player, club captain Jamaal Lascelles, is grappling with an injury. This revelation adds to the list of injuries the team has faced this season. Despite an expectation that the worst might be over, given a less congested fixture list in the latter half of the season, the setback has emerged.
According to Howe, Lascelles was absent from the FA Cup fourth-round clash due to a “tight calf,” although the manager has sought to allay concerns, indicating that the issue does not appear too severe. This development comes at a crucial juncture for Newcastle, who are set to face a quick turnaround with a match against Aston Villa looming on Tuesday, followed by a home fixture against Luton on Saturday. The likelihood of Lascelles participating in these upcoming matches remains uncertain, as the team may exercise caution to prevent exacerbating the injury.
Despite Lascelles’ potential absence, Howe has alternative defensive options at his disposal, with both Fabian Schar and Sven Botman available to fill the void. Nevertheless, the manager faces challenges in terms of squad depth, hindering his ability to make substantial in-game changes. In their recent encounter against Fulham, Howe delayed his first substitution until the 75th minute, already holding a 2-0 lead. The limited options on the bench have prompted concerns about the team’s ability to adapt and make impactful changes during matches.
Addressing Lascelles’ situation, Howe stated, “There’s no interest that I know of. He’s just got a slightly tight calf. We don’t think it’s anything serious.” This statement dispels rumors of potential transfer interest in Lascelles during the January window. Besiktas was reportedly keen on securing his services on a free transfer, given his contract expiration in the summer. However, Howe asserts that the player’s absence against Fulham is solely attributed to the injury, and he remains unaware of any external interest in the 30-year-old Newcastle captain.
As the January transfer window unfolds, negotiations may continue between Newcastle and Lascelles, aiming to secure his stay and bolster the team’s defensive options for the upcoming seasons. The manager remains focused on maintaining a competitive squad, navigating challenges posed by injuries and potential player departures.
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