Knee injury rules Newcastle United man out of international games ahead of transfer decision

Newcastle United left-back Jamal Lewis suffered a frustrating end to a difficult season after withdrawing from the Northern Ireland squad.

The 25-year-old was selected for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Denmark and Kazakhstan but was unable to feature because of a knee injury.

Lewis now enters the summer facing an uncertain future after making just four appearances for the Magpies in 2022-23, only one of those being a start.

“The future is a little bit unclear for him,” said United head coach Eddie Howe. “He’s very much a valued member of our squad at the moment.

“I’m very aware I’ve not been able to give him the football he wants this season but I would say his game has developed behind the scenes.

“The work he’s put in behind the scenes every day to improve himself with the coaches here has been brilliant to see.

“His game has been in a really good place, just I haven’t been able to give him the opportunities to show that. He’s someone we value and believe.

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“As I sit here now, I don’t know what the future will hold for him next year.”

The 25-year-old, who attracted interest from Liverpool before joining Newcastle for £15milliion from Norwich City in 2020, has been unlucky with injuries since Howe arrived in November 2021.

Lewis started four of Howe’s opening six games in charge before picking up a hamstring injury in December against Liverpool.

Then, an ongoing groin problem - which required surgery in March - contributed to Lewis being left out of United’s 25-man Premier League squad for the second half of 21-22.

Lewis was set to be handed a chance to impress last pre-season, however the former Luton Town youngster did not play a single minute due to a calf issue.

Howe added: “It’s amazing how fate shows its hand. I think he played at Liverpool and played a couple of previous games and was in good vain of form and helped us to our first win over Burnley.

“But then he pulled his hamstring and it meant we were really light in that position so we recruited Matt [Targett] and now Dan’s stepped up this year.

“There’s real competition for places in that area, which has been great for me personally but obviously more difficult for Jamal to deal with. But I have to say, he’s acted impeccably.”