Howe could unleash Newcastle’s exciting 18-year-old LB after big Lewis Hall blow
Despite recent struggles, Newcastle United fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Carabao Cup final. Eddie Howe’s squad has faced a turbulent period, with February delivering three Premier League defeats that dented their top-four aspirations.
March did not begin any better, as the team suffered an FA Cup exit against Brighton and Hove Albion. However, the silver lining remains—an opportunity at Wembley to claim silverware.
Unfortunately, the Magpies must navigate this crucial match without one of their standout performers, Lewis Hall, further shaking the squad’s confidence.
Hall, who has been a consistent presence on the left flank, missed the Brighton clash, with Tino Livramento taking his place and Kieran Trippier operating from the right.
The club’s worst fears have now been confirmed, as the former Chelsea talent will miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury sustained against Liverpool in late February. His absence is a significant blow, considering his steady performances and four assists across all competitions.
Newcastle confirmed in an official statement that Hall will undergo surgery before beginning rehabilitation under the club’s medical team.
With limited alternatives available, Matt Targett could see more game time, but Newcastle’s injury crisis may push Howe to explore other options. Given the club’s history of integrating young talents, this situation could open the door for an emerging star from the academy.
William Osula and Lewis Miley have already been given opportunities at senior level, and Hall’s absence might provide another rising prospect with a chance to prove himself.
The Newcastle U21 squad features several promising players waiting for their breakthrough. Nineteen-year-old striker Ben Parkinson has netted seven goals in Premier League 2, while midfielder Alfie Harrison has recorded five assists.
Both will aim to follow in the footsteps of former academy graduates like Lewis Miley and Elliott Anderson, who have established themselves as senior players. However, beyond the attacking talent, one name stands out as a potential replacement for Hall—Dylan Charlton.
Charlton, an 18-year-old left-back, has already caught Howe’s attention. He was given minutes in a post-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur in May 2024, coincidentally replacing Hall during that match in Melbourne.
During his brief 13-minute cameo, he completed all eight of his passes, showcasing composure beyond his years. His steady development in the U21 ranks this season could position him for a senior call-up, particularly with the first-team squad facing a shortage in his position.
Charlton has displayed strong attributes as a full-back, mirroring Hall’s ability to contribute assists. Over 75 appearances for Newcastle’s U18 and U21 teams, he has registered three assists, demonstrating his attacking potential from a defensive role.
His patience and consistent performances in youth competitions might now be rewarded, as Howe has shown a willingness to integrate academy products into the senior setup.
Miley, for instance, became Newcastle’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant under his management, proving that opportunities exist for young talents who earn them.
Hall himself remains a young player at just 20, and his injury does not necessarily block Charlton’s path to first-team action. If the Gateshead-born defender continues to progress, he could emerge as the next homegrown success story at St James’ Park, filling the void left by Hall’s absence while offering Newcastle another promising talent for the future.
The following table outlines Charlton’s youth performances over the past four seasons:
| Season | Games Played | Goals Scored | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 14 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023/24 | 27 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | 26 | 0 | 2 |
| 2021/22 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
Charlton’s steady improvement and tactical awareness suggest he could step up when needed. Newcastle’s recent track record with young players indicates that the pathway to the senior squad is open for those who show promise and resilience. With Hall sidelined, the opportunity may come sooner rather than later.
As the Carabao Cup final approaches, Newcastle must find solutions to their squad depth issues while maintaining their ambitions for success.
Howe’s ability to adapt and integrate fresh talent could play a decisive role in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level, even in the face of adversity.