Newcastle United dealt second injury bombshell as player ruled out until at least October

Newcastle United's defensive crisis has been further heightened by the news club captain Jamaal Lascelles will spend a lengthy period out of action after suffering a serious knee injury in Saturday's win against West Ham United.

The former Nottingham Forest centre-back was replaced just after the quarter-hour mark at St James Park after suffering a serious injury as he won the ball from Hammers forward Michail Antonio. Lascelles immediately signalled to the United bench and was replaced by Emil Krafth after initially trying to return to the action.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe confirmed Lascelles had suffered a knee injury in the aftermath of a dramatic 4-3 win - but a club statement released on Sunday afternoon has now revealed the long-serving defender will undergo surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament over the next week and will not return to contention until October at the earliest.

The statement read: "Newcastle United can confirm that club captain Jamaal Lascelles suffered a rupture to the ACL in his right knee during Saturday’s victory over West Ham United. After seeing a specialist consultant, he is expected to undergo surgery next week and will be out for 6-9 months. Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Jamaal for a full and speedy recovery."

The news comes just a week after the Magpies confirmed Sven Botman will face a similar spell on the sidelines after he underwent surgery on a serious knee injury after opting against going under the knife earlier in the season. The injuries to both centre-backs could mean Dan Burn will partner Fabian Schar at the heart of the Magpies defender for Tuesday's home game with Everton and that could open the door for Lewis Hall to make only his second Premier League start for the club after he impressed in the win against West Ham. The likes of Paul Dummett and Emil Krafth could also come into contention - although United will check on the fitness of the latter after he was replaced by Hall on Saturday.