Jamaal Lascelles might have worried some Newcastle fans with his heavy limping during his side’s FA Cup clash with Blackburn.
The club captain was subbed on at half-time for Ciaran Clark, but only managed 12 minuted before being hauled off injured.
An intense match meant that 180 minutes was insufficient to differentiate between the sides, but the Magpies were ultimately able to pull away in extra time.
Quoted by the Shields Gazette, manager Rafael Benitez said:
Jamaal [Lascelles], it seems, was feeling his hamstring.
We will see. It seems that it was not very serious, but he couldn’t carry on. In a couple of days we will have a better idea. At the moment, it’s too early.
Welcome news for Newcastle fans then, who are sure to be hoping and praying their man isn’t set to miss a significant stretch of time.
Hovering just above the relegation zone, the availability of players like Lascelles will be critical if the ‘Toon are to stay up.
