Newcastle United duo out for 'months' as transfer priority underlined ahead of fresh talks

The central defensive pair both suffered ACL injuries in the month of March, ruling them out long-term.

Botman had been suffering with a knee issue for the majority of last season having previously spent three months out between September and December.

In the first game Lascelles stepped in for the Dutchman - the 4-3 win at home to West Ham United - he too sustained the same problem after colliding with Michail Antonio.

The duo continue to work on their respective comeback with Botman regularly posting updates on Instagram. But any hope of either returning in the early part of the campaign has been ruled out by Howe.

“Yeah, I wouldn't expect either player back certainly for months,” Howe said after the Premier League opening day win versus Southampton on Saturday. “I think they are sort of around about halfway through their timetable of recovery. So a long way ahead for both players.

“They're looking good at the moment, but there's a lot of work ahead for that.”

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Newcastle have strengthened Botman’s side of the defence this summer with the signing of Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer AFC Bournemouth.

However, on the right side, Lascelles’ absence means United are light of bodies. Fabian Schar is the only recognised option with Emil Krafth - a full-back by trade - as back-up.

The Swede is set to step in for the next three games against Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur with Schar set to serve a three-match ban for his controversial red card versus the Saints.

It remains unconfirmed if United have appealed his sending off.

Schar’s expected absence has only enforced the need to sign a right-sided centre-back. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is the number one target but Howe’s side have had multiple bids rejected.

The Magpies could walk away from a deal, unless progress during talks this week. Palace are said to want £65m for the 24-year-old, who starred for England at Euro 2024.

Admittedly, the Guehi deal has been complicated after Palace agreed to sell Joachim Andersen to Fulham for £30m. Eagles chairman Steve Parish said last week he “can't imagine a situation where we would lose both of our centre-halves.”

The transfer window shuts on Friday, August 30 at 11pm.