Newcastle United are down to the bare bones defensively.
Not only have Newcastle lost the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman to big injuries of late, Eddie Howe has also seen Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento ruled out.
While the defence has been porous all season after such a strong campaign last time out, not having those succession of first-team players limits options even further.
Paul Dummett, after all, was forced into making a rare appearance on Tuesday against Everton and duly gave away a silly penalty at St James’ Park to throw two points away.
Still in the hunt for Europa League qualification, Newcastle need to patch things up at the back even despite the sheer number of absences.
Luckily, Howe has confirmed one problem isn’t deemed particularly serious.
Lewis Hall injury: Eddie Howe provides latest
Indeed, Lewis Hall has impressed of late, which feels important ahead of his expected £28m permanent move to the club this summer.
Despite reservations about the level of his defending, Howe has been pleased with what he’s seen from the Chelsea loanee in training.
Still, such has been Newcastle’s luck on the injury front this season, Hall was forced off against Everton, prompting Dummett’s arrival onto the scene.
Newcastle now face a trip to a Fulham side who have been strong at home this season but Howe is confident Hall will return.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference (via the club’s official X, formerly Twitter, account), the manager said: “We hope he’s fine and that he’ll be back training. We anticipate he’ll be part of the group.”
Lewis Hall should get another chance to impress for Newcastle
With Dan Burn moving into central defence to partner Fabian Schar, this should provide another chance for Hall to impress, fitness permitting of course.
The teenager hasn’t had it easy but if he can use these few games to get up to full speed, next season could be huge for him and the team as a whole.
We’ve seen Anthony Gordon take time to adapt to life under Howe. There is little reason why Hall can’t do the same.
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