According to a recent report by the Shields Gazette, Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that Jamaal Lascelles is back in full training as he continues to recover from his recent injury. It is understood that the English centre-back is among a whole host of Newcastle players inching closer towards a first-team return ahead of West Ham United’s visit to St. James’ Park this weekend.
In a recent interview mentioned in the Shields Gazette, Benitez gave an update regarding the injured players and said, “We just have Paul Dummett not in full training,”
“Shelvey, Lejuene, Sterry, Lascelles, Muto – everybody has been training at least one full session.”
The return of Lascelles could be a big boost for the Magpies ahead of their crucial home clash against the Hammers at Tyneside. Benitez’s men have won three successive matches in the Premier League which has seen them climb up to the 13th place in the league standings.
Lascelles’ Return Could Spark A Successful Run For The Tyneside Giants
Lascelles made just ten league appearances for the Tyneside outfit before he got injured against Watford earlier this month. His return will bolster the Magpies’ backline significantly as they prepare for a run of winnable fixtures against West Ham, Everton, Wolves, Huddersfield Town and Fulham respectively.
What Does The English Defender Add To Benitez’s Team?
Lascelles can be considered as one of the best defenders outside the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ so his early return from injury would be a welcome addition to Benitez’s starting XI. The English prospect is a no-nonsense defender who has a knack of sensing danger and nipping them in the bud. He is also a decent distributor of the ball and is very efficient at making interceptions.
The 25-year-old is a defensive powerhouse for the Magpies which makes him an integral asset for Benitez. The Magpies will need him to recover in time to lace up against West Ham on Saturday afternoon so that he can neutralise the threat of the dangerous Marko Arnautovic.
There is no doubt that Newcastle is a much better team with Lascelles in their starting XI so his return would be fantastic news for the Toon Army.
