Eddie Howe confirmed worrying news on Lewis Hall’s latest injury setback following the victory over Nott Forest on Sunday.
The coach addressed Hall’s injury and revealed the left-back’s hamstring issue
“will not be short-term” as Newcastle United’s defensive depth continues to crumble.
Hall, 21, suffered the injury during Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions League win over Union Saint-Gilloise, coming off after feeling discomfort.
The England international had only just returned to action after missing five months with a broken bone in his foot, gradually building up minutes with two starts and two substitute appearances.
“He felt his hamstring against Union, which was a real blow for us,” Howe said after Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. “We’ve been trying to manage him back. Unfortunately, he just felt something in that game.”
Hall has already undergone an initial scan, but Howe confirmed the club must wait another 10 days for a follow-up before determining the full extent of the damage.
“We’ve had it scanned,” Howe said. “Before we get conclusive evidence of how long he’ll be out, he needs another re-scan in about 10 days. So it’s not going to be a short-term injury. We hope it’s not going to be a long-term injury, but we sort of don’t know yet.”
The setback leaves Newcastle short-handed, to say the least, with fellow England full-back Tino Livramento also sidelined for up to eight weeks after suffering a knee ligament injury.
Howe has turned to veteran defender Dan Burn, who has started the last three matches at left-back, but admitted options are thin across the defensive line.
“I don’t have a rabbit I can pull out of the hat,” Howe said.
