Newcastle skipper Lascelles to undergo surgery for ACL rupture

Newcastle United skipper Jamaal Lascelles will be out of action for up to nine months after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Saturday's 4-3 win over West Ham United.

Lascelles limped off in the 17th minute with the right knee injury and the club said he would undergo surgery next week, effectively ending his season.

The latest setback added to the club's growing injury woes as Newcastle said in a statement the 30-year-old is expected to be out six to nine months.

The absence of the centre back, who had his contract extended until 2025 earlier this month, is a big blow to the Magpies' hopes of securing a European berth next season.

"It's been the story of our season," manager Eddie Howe told the BBC on Saturday.

Newcastle finished in the top four last season to qualify for the Champions League but find themselves in eighth place.

Newcastle United can confirm that club captain Jamaal Lascelles suffered a rupture to the ACL in his right knee during Saturday’s victory over West Ham United.

After seeing a specialist consultant, he is expected to undergo surgery next week and will be out for 6-9 months.… pic.twitter.com/QjXuC9S2zr

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 31, 2024

Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento and Miguel Almiron were also forced off the pitch with injuries while Newcastle were already missing Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Callum Wilson, Joelinton and Lewis Miley.

Anthony Gordon will miss Newcastle's game against his former club Everton on Tuesday after being sent off for a second yellow card – for kicking the ball away – in the 95th minute of their thrilling victory over West Ham.

To make matters worse, Sandro Tonali is serving a 10-month ban for after being sanctioned by the Italian football federation in October over betting breaches committed when he was playing for Serie A side AC Milan.

"Unfortunately we were getting hit left right and centre," Howe said.

"We were 1-0 up and then Jamaal goes off. Miggy (Almiron) goes off, Anthony is sent off, Tino goes off. It is a catalogue one after another but the players we brought on made a positive impact and that's the beauty of our squad."