Eddie Howe: Hall’s Injury is a Major Blow for Us

Synopsis

Newcastle's Eddie Howe expressed his disappointment regarding defender Lewis Hall's season-ending injury. The 20-year-old will require surgery following an injury sustained in February. Howe emphasized the impact of Hall’s absence and also confirmed that Newcastle will not appeal Anthony Gordon's red card, resulting in his exclusion from upcoming matches.

Key Takeaways

Lewis Hall ruled out for the season due to foot injury.
Howe expresses disappointment over Hall's surgery.
Anthony Gordon's red card will not be appealed.
Gordon will miss the Carabao Cup final and other matches.
Focus on Hall’s recovery is paramount.

Newcastle, March 7 (NationPress) Head coach Eddie Howe has conveyed his disappointment regarding Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall, who has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a foot injury. The 20-year-old is set to undergo surgery after sustaining the injury during Newcastle's defeat against Liverpool in February.

This situation is a significant setback for Howe, as the English manager has relied on Hall in every league match this season, and Hall has been a crucial contributor to Newcastle's journey to the Carabao Cup final.

"It’s truly disappointing. At this point in the season, with the cup final approaching, and Lewis eyeing possible international appearances, he was in excellent form and performing well, making this a considerable loss for both him and us. The priority now is his recovery and ensuring he returns as strong as he has been," Howe stated during a press briefing.

"Naturally, like any player, he would have reacted emotionally, especially with so much at stake. Lewis was dedicated to reaching this moment and winning a trophy for this football club - that was his goal, and it was on his mind. I believe he is now in a much better mental state," he added.

Howe also stated that Newcastle will not contest the red card issued to Anthony Gordon after he was dismissed during their FA Cup defeat last Sunday for a push, as there were 'insufficient grounds to challenge the ruling'. "It’s always a topic of discussion, and we deliberated with the club and the necessary personnel - including lawyers - and concluded that we lacked adequate grounds for an appeal.

"There was no malice from Anthony. He didn’t intend to harm anyone. However, it’s important to assess the likelihood of a successful appeal, and if there is none, then what is the point of pursuing it? Anthony understands this," he further explained.

Newcastle’s choice not to appeal the red card means Gordon will miss the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on March 16. He will also be unavailable for the Premier League match against West Ham and the home fixture against Brentford on April 2.