Newcastle United defender ruled out for another month – ‘I wouldn’t say setbacks’
Less than two weeks after Sven Botman underwent ACL surgery, Jamaal Lascelles suffered the same devastating injury during Newcastle United’s thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over West Ham United on March 30. Nine months later, the recovery journeys of the two players reveal contrasting timelines.
While Botman has returned to full training and even made appearances for the under-21 squad, Lascelles remains slightly behind in his rehabilitation process.
Manager Eddie Howe shed light on the situation, emphasizing that Lascelles’ recovery hasn’t progressed as smoothly as Botman’s. Howe described Lascelles as focused and determined but acknowledged the challenges he has faced along the way.
In contrast, Botman experienced a more straightforward recovery, encountering no major complications. Lascelles, however, has faced moments where his knee didn’t feel as strong, causing minor delays in his return to full fitness.
Howe praised Lascelles for his unwavering dedication to his rehabilitation, highlighting his commitment to long hours at the training ground, often staying until late in the evening. Such relentless effort, Howe believes, will eventually pay dividends.
Lascelles’ recovery timeline suggests he might follow a path similar to Botman’s, gaining match fitness with the under-21 team before rejoining the senior squad. A potential return could materialize around February, depending on his progress.
Despite his steadfast determination, Lascelles faces intense competition within Newcastle’s defensive ranks. Botman, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Lloyd Kelly, and Emil Krafth represent a robust pool of center-back options, making Lascelles’ fight for a first-team spot even more challenging.
This situation is further complicated by the fact that Lascelles’ contract is set to expire in the summer. With 251 appearances to his name since joining from Nottingham Forest a decade ago, his future at the club remains uncertain.
The differing recoveries of Botman and Lascelles highlight the unpredictable nature of long-term knee injuries. Botman’s swift return underscores the best-case scenario for athletes dealing with such setbacks, while Lascelles’ slower progress reflects the unpredictable challenges that can arise. Regardless of the timeline, both players exemplify the resilience and dedication required to overcome significant injuries.
As Newcastle continues to compete on multiple fronts, including domestic and potential European campaigns, the depth in their defensive lineup will prove invaluable. The club’s commitment to supporting injured players like Lascelles demonstrates a long-term vision that prioritizes both individual recovery and team strength.
With Botman nearing full reintegration and Lascelles making steady strides, Newcastle’s defensive unit looks poised to remain a cornerstone of their success.
The coming months will be crucial for Lascelles as he navigates the final stages of his recovery and works to regain his spot in the squad. His extensive experience and leadership qualities could still play a pivotal role in Newcastle’s ambitions, provided he can overcome the challenges posed by his injury and the intense competition within the team.
