'Every day': Howe says 28-year-old Newcastle United star has been brilliant in training, he's yet to play this term
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

'Every day': Howe says 28-year-old Newcastle United star has been brilliant in training, he's yet to play this term

Eddie Howe has addressed the media ahead of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup match Tranmere Rovers.

Howe provided an update on club captain Jamaal Lascelles, among a host of topics.

The centre-back wasn’t in the squad for Newcastle’s opening match against Nottingham Forest.

However, he returned to the bench for Newcastle’s previous two games, but wasn’t required on either occasion.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Howe has now delivered a positive update on the defender, via Chronicle Live: “He’s reacted very well. Very good pre-season. Unlucky not to play because there is a lot of competition now.

“With Sven (Botman) coming in and the form of Fabian (Schar) and Dan (Burn). Jamaal was a bit part last season and came in and performed at a high level.

“Behind the scenes he’s been a great captain and leader and set the example with the group in training every day.”

Howe provides Lascelles update

Lascelles is one of Newcastle’s longest-serving players, with only Paul Dummett having been at the club for longer.

The 28-year-old defender has been club captain since 2016/17 and lead the club back to the Premier League in his first season wearing the armband.

He’s struggled with injuries throughout his time on Tyneside, and has only been deployed by Eddie Howe when others have been unavailable.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Newcastle brought in Sven Botman this summer, and Dan Burn in January, pushing Lascelles further down the pecking order.

Howe ruled out selling Lascelles earlier this summer, and may finally give him an opportunity tomorrow against Tranmere.

It’s a much-needed chance for Lascelles to impress his manager, however, Newcastle’s strong start to the season in the league is going to make it hard to oust one of his preferred defenders.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Two clean sheets in their first two games has made Howe’s defensive decision very easy up to this point.

And although they conceded three against Manchester City on Sunday, it’s likely that many teams will struggle up against Pep Guardiola’s incredible attack.

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