Newcastle boss Howe: Lascelles injury a blow for us and him

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits Jamaal Lascelles' ACL injury is a heavy blow.

The club captain broke down in victory over West Ham last week and there's concerns the defender won't be seen until 2025.

Howe said today: "It's big blow for us and Jamaal. He's been excellent this season. Behind the scenes he's been a real leader for our team. I feel for him because he's been in really good shape this year and looked really good.

"He's come together with Antonio and unfortunately ended up with a serious injury. Initially it's always difficult to accept. One minute you're in the team, the next you've got a long period of rehab. He'll have low moments during that long stretch but he's got a good team of people around him and Sven [Botman], who is in a very similar position."

On injuries to Miguel Almiron and Tino Livramento, he added: "Tino's was quite obvious when you looked back at the footage," he said. "[It was] strange really as the ball hits his ankle before it hits the floor. Thankfully, it's not as serious as it could have been. He could be back quite quickly.

"Miggy tweaked his knee slightly. Again, it's not a serious injury but enough to keep him out."