Newcastle United fans get answers on Jamaal Lascelles as club captain remains suspiciously absent
As Eddie Howe tries to navigate a tricky defensive crisis at Newcastle United, which has seen the Magpies boss having to deploy a midfielder alongside his only three fit defenders, the big question has been: Just where is Jamaal Lascelles?
The club captain made his return to action at the start of the season after missing over a year following surgery on an ACL injury, but as soon as he was back, he was gone again.
In terms of importance to the club, Jamaal Lascelles is a huge figure, but when it comes to the first team, not so much.
For the longest time, his absence wasn't really felt, but right now would be the ideal time for our club captain to step up, but that doesn't seem very likely.
Eddie Howe admits that Jamaal Lascelles' time at Newcastle is coming to an end
Eddie Howe gave us an update on Lascelles during Friday morning's press conference, and it now sounds like the 32-year-old has played his last game for Newcastle United.
"He's not training with us currently. He hasn't felt well enough physically to train... good enough. I don't necessarily think that he's injured in the sense that he's got one big injury, I just think his body's not feeling great.
"So he's not training with us currently. We hope that will change in the next few weeks."But yeah, there's a possibility that he could leave as well. Jamaal's been an incredible servant. He's a great leader for us behind the scenes. So, let's wait and see what happens on his future."
Newcastle United could shave £90,000-a-week from the wage bill by letting Jamaal Lascelles go
It certainly sounds like he's being kept away from anything too strenuous to avoid any further injuries, so that they can find him a new club this month. His contract is due to expire in the summer, so this would be our last chance to recoup some of the £3.5 million we paid for him 12 years ago.
Lascelles has made almost 250 appearances for Newcastle in his 12-year stay, and the former Nottingham Forest man became a huge influence in the dressing room. However, often, his performances left a lot to be desired.
It certainly feels like it's time for the skipper to move on, especially given his lack of availability of late. We thank him for everythign his done over his 12-year stay, but the time has come.
