NEWCASTLE UNITED have suffered a second massive injury setback in the space of a fortnight after scans revealed Jamaal Lascelles has suffered a cruciate-ligament injury that will keep him out of action for up to nine months.
Lascelles’ fellow centre-half, Sven Botman, has also been diagnosed with an ACL injury, meaning the Magpies will be without two of their three first-choice centre-halves for the remainder of the current campaign and most of the first half of next season.
Lascelles injured his knee while twisting in his own penalty area in the first half of yesterday’s 4-3 win over West Ham United.
He initially tried to continue playing after a lengthy period of on-field treatment, but within a few seconds, it was apparent that his movement was restricted and he was unable to continue.
The Magpies skipper was sent for a series of post-match scans, and the tests have revealed extensive ligament damage that will require surgery to repair.
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A Newcastle statement said: “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 six to nine months. Everyone at NUFC extends their best wishes to Jamaal for a full and speedy recovery.”
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