Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles no longer looks assured of a starting spot after an injury-troubled pre-season.
Having emerged as a key figure in Newcastle United’s unsuccessful relegation battle months earlier, Jamaal Lascelles led the Magpies into the Championship last season.
And, with Lascelles again central to progress both on and off the pitch, Newcastle sealed an immediate return to the Premier League as they won the second tier.
Wearing the armband, the former Nottingham Forest defender forged a fine partnership with new signing Ciaran Clark as Chancel Mbemba lost his place in the centre of defence.
But Rafa Benitez has again secured defensive recruits this summer – and, this time, it is Lascelles whose place looks in peril.
Despite captaining the club, Lascelles’ injury issues in pre-season have provided Florian Lejeune with an opportunity to impress, instantly settling in alongside Clark.
However, Benitez is hopeful of Lascelles proving his fitness in time for the big kick-off against Tottenham Hotspur, with friendly clashes with Wolfsburg and Hellas Verona to come first.
“He was very close [to playing in the defeat against Mainz,” the manager told the Chronicle. “He trained on Monday and hopefully he can be available.”
While Newcastle have alternative options, it is crucial for Lascelles that he is fit and firing again in time for the Tottenham game.
As Mbemba found last season, it can be hard to regain Benitez’s trust while others impress – and Lascelles, at this stage of his career, would surely see himself as a starter.
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