‘Big’ Newcastle United injury blow as ‘incredible’ player ruled out for the rest of the season

Newcastle United are set to be without their club captain for the remainder of the Premier League season.

Jamaal Lascelles missed the Magpies’ 3-1 win against Southampton on Sunday afternoon, a win that strengthened their Champions League qualification bid.

Although Lascelles hasn’t featured too often this campaign, the 29-year-old was a notable absence from the matchday squad.

And unfortunately for the defender, his season appears to be over because of a calf issue, according to Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe.

“He’s picked up a calf injury in the gym,” Howe told BBC Radio Newcastle. “It looks like his season could be over. A really big disappointment for us, because he’s been incredible behind the scenes. It’s a big blow.”

Lascelles has been restricted to just seven league appearances in 2022-23, with his only two starts coming in defeats at Liverpool and Manchester City.

The former Nottingham Forest man has been heavily praised by Howe for his conduct and professionalism behind the scenes on Tyneside.

Speaking after Lascelles feature against Man City last month, Howe said: “Jamaal has benefited from his training. He’s trained really well at a very high level. You don’t come in and perform like he did in that type of game unless you’re absolutely focussed on your training day-to-day.

“He’s led by example on the training ground. I had no doubt he’d come in and do well because of what I’ve seen and he performed to a really high level. I was pleased for him because he deserved that moment. He’s also looked to improve, as he’s not played regularly, every aspect of his game so I think he’s in a good place.

“The added responsibility on Jamaal, as captain, to set the example day-to-day is even more powerful for him if he can deliver that while not in the team because that sets a standard that no-one else can sulk or have a bad day because you have your captain who has been in that moment for the majority of the season but has acted in the best way.”

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