Eddie Howe has confirmed that another Newcastle United player has encountered an injury setback ahead of the recent victory against Fulham. Despite having faced a series of injuries this season, the club had hoped for a smoother second half of the season with a less congested fixture list. However, club captain Jamaal Lascelles was notably absent from the FA Cup fourth-round match due to a minor issue with his calf, as confirmed by Howe to The Athletic. While the injury doesn’t appear to be severe, it raises concerns as Newcastle faces a quick
turnaround for their upcoming matches against Aston Villa and Luton. Lascelles might sit out to avoid further risk, though the team has defensive options in Fabian Schar and Sven Botman. Despite the depth challenges, Howe remains cautious, aiming to prevent further injuries and maintain the team’s competitive edge. In the previous game against Fulham, the limited options on the bench prompted Howe to delay substitutions until the 75th minute, emphasizing the need to manage the squad’s fitness carefully. After the match, Howe reassured fans about Lascelles’ injury, stating that it’s a minor issue with a slightly tight calf and not something deemed serious.