Official reason why Lewis Hall misses Newcastle United v Arsenal
There is another key absence from Newcastle United’s matchday squad versus Arsenal.
Lewis Hall is not in Newcastle United’s matchday squad for their Premier League clash at home to Arsenal this afternoon (kick-off 4:30pm).
The Magpies are already without Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey until after the October international break, while Fabian Schar remains sidelined through concussion protocols but could return for the Champions League trip to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday.
But Hall is a fresh absence from the squad, with the left-back one of six changes to the starting XI that beat Bradford City 4-1 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Newcastle United confirmed starting XI v Arsenal
Howe has gone with a back five against the Gunners, with Nick Pope, Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade and Dan Burn recalled to the starting XI in place of Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Miley, Hall, Emil Krafth, Will Osula and Anthony Elanga.
Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimarães (c)
Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Harvey Barnes, Emil Krafth, William Osula, Anthony Elanga, Joe Willock, Lewis Miley
Lewis Hall absent from Newcastle United’s squad v Arsenal
Hall started both games against AFC Bournemouth and Bradford City in midweek in his first starts since sustaining a foot injury back in February.
At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Howe suggested the 21-year-old left-back would be rested against Arsenal, though give no indication that he wouldn’t be in the matchday squad.
Club sources have confirmed Hall’s absent is due to managing his minutes, rather than anything injury-related.
"I'm sure he'll be better physically for the two games,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “I think Lew's still building his way back up to his best physical level. I was pleased with him in different ways.
"Probably, you look at the Bournemouth game, it was a really good defensive performance from the team and he played his part within that. Then against Bradford, he had a lot more of the ball and a lot more creative and attacking intent and I thought he got better as the game went on.
"So I think good signs for him but we've still got to treat him carefully in the early stages of his comeback.”
Eddie Howe previews Newcastle United v Arsenal
Newcastle have lost just one of their last five matches against Arsenal at St James’ Park. A win today would be their fourth in a row.
Previewing the Arsenal clash, Howe said: “I think it's always been competitive against Arsenal in the games that I've been here and there has been an edge to those games because I think both teams are desperate to win. Yeah, we sort of encourage that.
“I think the more competitive we are, the better we play. So certainly we need to bring that side of our game.
“I think you play these teams and the other teams in the Premier League so often that of course results ebb and flow and sometimes you do better against one team than you do others.
“Our record against Bournemouth, who were our last opponent in the Premier League, has been disappointing. But you don't think about that going into the game, you think about this is a fresh game and a fresh opportunity to impress.
“We've always had that sort of line that you draw under the past. The past isn't relevant. But you need to take whatever confidence you can positively and take that with you. So we'll look to do that. But this is a fresh game and Arsenal are a new team.”