July 4, 2024

 

Injury has been a recurring theme for Sven Botman’s Newcastle United team.

The 24-year-old’s season was cut short after he sustained his second ACL injury of the year. Jamaal Lascelles, the captain of the Newcastle club, will once again start for the team due to the injury.The 30-year-old stepped into the side during Botman’s three-month absence earlier in the season. During that time, Newcastle had their best run of form of the season with impressive wins against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Lascelles impressed at centre-back during Newcastle’s 4-1 win over PSG, a match that marked the return of Champions League football to St James’ Park for the first time in over 20 years. The centre-back also scored in the 4-1 win over Chelsea back in November.

But Newcastle have struggled defensively in recent months with injuries to the likes of Nick Pope, Botman and Lascelles.

But he is now set to return to the starting line-up for the match against West Ham United on March 30 (12:30pm kick-off) at St James’ Park.

Last month Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe told The Gazette: “Jamaal had a problem with his calf and missed two to three weeks but he’s feeling back to somewhere near full fitness now.

“As much as a week ago he was still nursing his was back and he’s been a big positive to have back on the training ground last week. He’s always an inspiring influence on the training ground.”

It has since been confirmed that Newcastle have triggered a contract extension to keep Lascelles at the club until 2025. Lascelles’ six-year deal signed in 2018 was set to expire this summer.

“I hope he’s here next year,” Howe said about Lascelles. “He’s done incredibly well as a leader and a captain of the group. His game has really developed and he’s played an important part of the season and when he’s played he’s been excellent.

“Of course, there is good competition for places in that area now with everyone fit. Regarding his contract situation, he has a contract for next year.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *