Newcastle United dealt third serious knee injury as familiar face drafted in

Injuries have been the story of Newcastle United’s season - and that doesn’t just apply to the playing squad!

Having recently lost Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to ACL injuries - ruling the defensive pair out for six to nine months - goalkeeping coach Shwan Jalal has also suffered serious damage to his knee. Jalal, who joined Eddie Howe’s backroom team from Stockport County in October 2022, sustained the issue during United’s warm weather training camp in Dubai last month.

It’s understood the 40-year-old will be out of action until pre-season with former Magpies goalkeeper Tony Caig temporarily drafted in to support head of goalkeeping Adam Bartlett.

Caig, a back-up to Shay Given and Steve Harper during the Sir Bobby Robson days, returned to Newcastle as head of academy goalkeeping two years ago after coaching spells at Carlisle United, Hartlepool United and Livingston.

His usual role sees him play a leading role in the development of the club's under-23s goalkeepers as well as plan, organise and monitor the academy's overall goalkeeping programme from the youngest age. But in Jalal’s absence, Caig will take on some first-team responsibilities.

At last week’s Premier League matches against West Ham United, Everton and Fulham, Caig was spotted alongside Bartlett warming up Martin Dubravka & Co on the pitch prior to kick-off.

The Magpies have seven games remaining this campaign as they look to secure European qualification. Caig may also get the opportunity to work with No.1 goalkeeper Nick Pope as the England international targets a return from a shoulder injury later this month.