Eddie Howe keeping 'fingers crossed' over Jamaal Lascelles fitness after limping off against Everton
Jamaal Lascelles was withdrawn in the 90th minute as Newcastle United lost to Everton
Eddie Howe is hopeful Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles won't be the latest player added to the ever-growing injury list on Tyneside after limping off during the 3-0 defeat to Everton.
The centre-back lasted 90 minutes before being replaced by Emil Krafth after struggling through the closing stages at Goodison Park. Lascelles made his way to the bench, exchanging words with Howe before taking his seat among the substitutes.
“I don’t think it’s a serious one with Jamaal – I think it’s a dead leg," Howe told reporters after the clash. “It was a knock to his thigh I think – fingers crossed, he’ll be okay [for the weekend], although I don’t know at this moment.
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Howe is hopeful the ongoing injury crisis will begin to subside somewhat in the coming weeks. The likes of Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes may still be a few weeks away from returning but there is hope Callum Wilson will return to the fold before Christmas.
“I don’t really know how things are," Howe added. "A lot of the players that are injured at the moment were working today at the training ground. We’re hopeful that we can get some support.”
Newcastle currently have 11 players out injured and one suspended with their schedule remaining as hectic as ever over the festive period. The north east outfit travel to Tottenham on Sunday before hosting AC Milan in a crucial Champions League clash next week.