Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on Lewis Hall ahead of Newcastle United’s game against West Ham.
The left-back has been out of action with a hamstring injury and has not played since Newcastle United’s Champions League win over Union Saint-Gilloise.
While he was not fit enough to return against Spurs on Wednesday night, Eddie Howe confirmed that Lewis Hall was close to a comeback.
That comeback could now come when Newcastle face West Ham at the London Stadium, with Howe providing an encouraging update on the 21-year-old’s fitness.
“He’s very close,” he said during his pre-match press conference, as reported by the Chronicle.
“He is hopefully training with us today for the first time. He’s worked really hard and in good shape but we will have to see how he does when he’s back in the group.”
There are no other fresh injuries for Newcastle to worry about, with Howe adding: “No there’s nothing new. We are still managing Will Osula’s ankle but apart from that we are as we were.”
- Who is Lewis Hall? Newcastle United’s star left-back who is destined for England greatness
Lewis Hall may struggle to get into Newcastle United’s starting XI
The fact that Lewis Hall is ‘very close’ to returning to the Newcastle United squad is excellent news. He was absolutely outstanding last season, resulting in him winning his first-ever England cap.
His 2024/25 campaign was blighted by injury, and those problems have carried on through to 2025/26. Hall was still feeling the effects of having foot surgery at the start of the season, then his hamstring problem occurred.
Amid Hall’s injury absence, Dan Burn has slotted in at left-back. The 33-year-old has performed incredibly well, despite centre-back being his preferred position.
At the same time, Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman have established themselves at centre-back. For Burn, it is difficult to see him ousting either of those players from the heart of defence.
That gives Howe a problem, which in turn is a problem for Hall. The Newcastle United manager will be keen to keep Burn in his starting XI given his size and leadership qualities, but Hall is a more natural left-back who can give the Magpies genuine width.
It is a conundrum for Howe, but one he will relish.
The post Official Lewis Hall injury update before Newcastle against West Ham appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.