Newcastle United rocked by injury setback to ‘incredible’ player ahead of Arsenal clash at the weekend

Newcastle United are set to be without defender Jamaal Lascelles until the end of the season as they prepare to face Arsenal this weekend. The former Nottingham Forest man has sustained a calf injury and is poised to out until pre-season now.

The centre-back sat out over the weekend as the Toon Army beat Southampton 3-1 to boost their Champions League hopes. Eddie Howe’s side are 10 points behind the Gunners in the Premier League table.

Lascelles, who is 29-years-old, has been on the books at St. James’ Park since 2014 and has made 225 appearances for the North East club in all competitions, chipping in with 14 goals from the back. He has had to bide his time for game time this term and has played 11 games.

Howe has provided this injury update regarding the ex-England youth international ahead of their clash against Arsenal, as per BBC Radio Newcastle: “He’s picked up a calf injury in the gym. It looks like his season could be over. A really big disappointment for us, because he’s been incredible behind the scenes. It’s a big blow.

“He’s led by example on the training ground. I had no doubt he’d come in and do well because of what I’ve seen and he performed to a really high level. I was pleased for him because he deserved that moment. He’s also looked to improve, as he’s not played regularly, every aspect of his game so I think he’s in a good place.

“The added responsibility on Jamaal, as captain, to set the example day-to-day is even more powerful for him if he can deliver that while not in the team because that sets a standard that no-one else can sulk or have a bad day because you have your captain who has been in that moment for the majority of the season but has acted in the best way.”

Arsenal take on Chelsea on Tuesday evening as they look to leapfrog current table toppers Manchester City. However, Pep Guardiola’s men have a game in-hand still and beat Fulham 2-1 last time out at Craven Cottage.

The Gunners then travel to Newcastle on Sunday as they look to stay in the title chase. The pair drew 0-0 earlier in this campaign at the Emirates Stadium.