‘Hard to accept’ - Lewis Hall breaks silence after emotional Newcastle United and England blow

Arguably the Magpies’ most improved player this season, the 20-year-old received the devastating news earlier this week that he will not kick a ball again in 2024-25. Hall suffered a hairline fracture in his foot during Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The news could not have come at a worse time, with United just 10 days away from a Carabao Cup final. Eddie Howe’s men are also in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

Speaking to the club website, Hall opened up about his devastation but vowed to come back stronger. He said: "It's gutting, especially with the games coming up. There's so much to play for until the end of the season and I was looking forward to them so much, so it's devastating, not just for me but being able to help the team.

NewcastleWorld: Essential is our weekly newsletter, delivering the city’s best bits to you inbox - sign up here

"I feel like my season's gone well and it's come at probably the worst time. I would want to continue playing but we had to look at my career and agree on what was best. If I was to play through the pain, things could have got worse which would have a negative impact on my career long-term. 

“Honestly, I would play through anything if I could. Obviously, the cup final is a massive game. I'd played in all the games leading up to it and I'd like to think I've played a big part in us getting to this stage.”

Hall is also ravaged by missing out on the upcoming England double-header against Albania and Latvia. Thomas Tuchel, who handed him his Chelsea debut, will announce his first Three Lions squad later this month.

"And with the internationals coming up as well, it's disappointing that I'm not available to be selected for that - and that I can't play in the end-of-season games which ultimately will determine the competitions we play in (next season), whether we get in the Champions League,” he added. "It's quite hard to accept at the minute but I'm still young and there are many opportunities ahead, I'm very confident in that. 

“I haven't had it before in my career but watching us train every day and watching the team play is something that I'm really not looking forward to, but I've got so much faith in the boys to get us over the line and do what we need to do."