Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall was sidelined for the FA Cup clash with Brighton and Hove Albion due to an ankle injury. It appears that Hall picked up the knock during the match against Liverpool at Anfield and subsequently had a reaction post-game.
Initially evaluated by the club’s medical staff, he has since been referred to a specialist for further assessment. The 20 year old defender’s potential absence in the coming weeks could be a significant setback for the Magpies, especially with the Carabao Cup final looming, potentially dishing out Wembley disappointment if he faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
Hall, a former Chelsea talent, has clocked up 34 appearances this term and has become a staple in Eddie Howe’s lineup.
Discussing Hall’s situation after the defeat, Howe shared with Chronicle Live: “I would probably say for us Lewis Hall is a left-back now. That’s not to say 100% I would not use him in any other position.”
“I think he has the technical skills to play in other roles, but I think left-back is his best position for us. For any defender, you want continuity, and you want to know where you are playing.
“You want to be able to consistently work on your game. The level is so high that you can’t really lose focus on the fundamentals of that position.”
Howe is also sweating over the fitness of Alexander Isak, who limped off against Brighton on his return from injury. Newcastle will definitely be without Anthony Gordon at Wembley after the England winger was shown a straight red card for a clash with Jan Paul van Hecke.
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On the red card, Howe said: “The red card looked harsh, but we will have to analyse it properly. I have not seen a replay of it so I am going on my original view – I thought it looked harsh.
“If we analyse the incident and there are grounds for appeal, we will do that without hesitation. Knowing the player as I do, I know there was no malice intended.
“Anthony didn’t mean any harm. I have only seen him briefly (since the game ended) and he was very disappointed. If he is missing from the final, that will be a big blow to us – but when someone suffers misfortune in football, it’s someone else’s opportunity and that’s what we have a squad for.
“I’m sure Anthony wants us to look at it that way and, in his absence, be strong and try to win the game. The mood will be flat but you can’t change that in the short term – you have to let the emotions run out and then you have to start work and get back to it.”
