Lewis Hall is finally back in the Newcastle United squad after his recent injury problems, but Eddie Howe is refusing to rush him into heavy minutes. Even though supporters are eager to see the young defender play more often, Howe is sticking to a careful and measured plan designed to protect Hall and ensure he can stay fit for the long term.
Hall made his first start since September in the 2-1 win over Manchester City at the weekend, a match where he reminded everyone why he is so highly rated. However, his return to the starting lineup did not last the full match.
After 77 minutes, he was substituted for Sven Botman, and although some fans wondered if it was another injury, Howe made it clear that it was more of a precaution. He explained that Hall experienced cramp, something he expected could happen given the amount of football the young defender has missed.
Howe shared that the jump in intensity from England U21 duty to Premier League action is enormous, and Hall is still adjusting after coming back from a hamstring issue.
The coaching staff have been easing him back gradually because he is still not ready to complete a full 90 minutes. Despite this, Howe praised Hall’s display against Manchester City, calling his performance outstanding during the time he was on the pitch.
This cautious approach has caused some frustration among Newcastle fans, especially because Hall is the only natural left-back in the squad. His absence has forced the team to rely heavily on Dan Burn, who has filled in admirably but is not a specialist in the position.
In the Champions League defeat to Marseille on Tuesday, Hall remained on the bench and featured only for a short spell, leaving Newcastle to reshuffle their defensive setup once again. They resorted to a back five, which highlighted just how important Hall is when fully fit.
Part of the reason Howe is being so careful is the history Hall has had with injuries over the past year. His hamstring problem came not long after he had returned from a serious knee injury that kept him out of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final and the crucial end-of-season run-in.
Those setbacks mean Hall’s physical development must be handled with patience, and the staff are determined to avoid pushing him too hard too soon.
Ben Dinnery, a respected injury analyst, believes Newcastle are doing the right thing. Speaking to Chronicle Live, he stressed that people should not forget how young Hall still is.
At his age, the body is still adapting to the demands of top-level football, and overloading him too quickly could lead to more long-term problems.
Dinnery says that before his injury last season, Hall had shown himself to be a robust player, someone capable of coping with Premier League demands. But after two significant injuries in 2025, the club’s cautious attitude is not only understandable it is smart.
Dinnery also pointed out that Hall has been coached extremely well and was performing at a very high level before his knee injury. He remains a superb talent with huge potential, but Newcastle must manage him sensibly.
The fact that Dan Burn can step in makes it possible for Howe to give Hall the time he needs rather than forcing him into the starting lineup every week. The goal is to protect the player, not just use him to solve an immediate problem.
He added that Eddie Howe and his staff deserve a lot of credit for their management of the squad’s fitness. With Hall, their decisions have been careful, consistent, and clearly based on long-term thinking rather than short-term pressure.
The Newcastle boss understands the importance of Hall’s future to the team, and he wants the young defender to build confidence and fitness without fear of another setback.
While supporters may naturally want Hall in the lineup every week, it is important to remember his age, his injury history, and the physical demands of the Premier League.
Howe is determined to bring him back properly, and although the process may seem slow at times, it is the best way to ensure Hall becomes the reliable and long-lasting left-back Newcastle believe he can be.
