Newcastle United defender ruled out for a ‘couple of months’ after major surgery

Eddie Howe anticipates that Jamaal Lascelles will remain sidelined for another couple of months as the Newcastle United captain nears the final stages of his recovery from an ACL injury.

While Sven Botman has recently made his return from a similar injury after a 10-month absence, Lascelles faces a longer road to recovery, with expectations that his rehabilitation will take approximately a year. Emil Krafth’s previous 14-month recovery from an ACL injury serves as a reminder of the varying timelines associated with such injuries.

Botman’s recent return to action has been a significant boost for Newcastle. The defender played pivotal roles in victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal before being rested for the team’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Bromley at St. James’ Park.

Botman’s successful comeback has inevitably drawn comparisons to Lascelles’ progress, given that both players sustained similar injuries around the same time last season.

However, sources within the club have consistently indicated that Lascelles’ recovery would require more time due to differences in individual responses to the surgery and rehabilitation process.

In his most recent update, Howe provided insight into Lascelles’ recovery, emphasizing the uniqueness of each player’s journey following an ACL injury. Howe noted that while Botman has returned to full fitness, Lascelles is slightly behind schedule but remains on track.

He praised the Newcastle captain’s professionalism and commitment throughout the recovery process, highlighting his dedication to following the medical team’s protocols.

“He is still working his way back,” Howe stated. “He is a little bit delayed from Sven’s time. Every player is different, and every player responds differently to the operation.

The stresses that you need to go through. He is making good progress and has been the absolute model professional in terms of what he is being asked to do and how he is conducting himself. Without putting a definitive timeline on it, he is going to be a couple of months away.”

Lascelles has recently resumed light training, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. As he works towards regaining full fitness, his goal remains to return to the pitch before the end of the season.

His focus on rebuilding strength and mobility has been unwavering, and his determination has been a source of inspiration for his teammates.

In the meantime, Lascelles has expressed his support for Botman, who has seamlessly reintegrated into the squad and delivered standout performances since his return.

In his column for the Newcastle matchday program, Lascelles shared his admiration for Botman’s perseverance and dedication during their parallel rehabilitation journeys. He also provided a glimpse into his own progress, expressing optimism about his recovery.

“It was wonderful to see Sven Botman play such a big part in both of those displays,” Lascelles wrote. “I was really pleased for him on a personal level. We’ve both gone through the same sort of rehab, and I’ve seen first-hand the time and the sweat that he’s put into his recovery.

It’s tough, and I was over the moon to see him get his reward. It gives me confidence, too, as I come back from the same injury. I’m not too far off now; I’m back on the grass, twisting and turning, and making progress.”

Lascelles’ positive outlook and progress on the training field provide hope for Newcastle as they navigate the remainder of the season. While his absence has been felt, the leadership he continues to offer from the sidelines underscores his value to the squad. His resilience serves as a testament to his character and commitment to the club.

As Newcastle continues to push for success in both domestic and European competitions, the return of key players like Botman and, eventually, Lascelles will undoubtedly strengthen the team’s depth and resolve.

With Howe’s careful management and the unwavering support of the club, Lascelles is on course to make a triumphant return and contribute to Newcastle’s ambitions in the months ahead.