Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United FC (6) warms up
Jamaal Lascelles is on standby for action at the Emirates Stadium after a year of injury agony.
Not since the 4-3 win over West Ham in spring 2024 has Lascelles been seen in a black and white shirt but on Sunday against Chelsea he was an unused substitute before stepping up his fitness against Celtic's reserves at the training ground in a private friendly on Tuesday. His return to the field comes with Sven Botman encountering a knee issue which is being assessed behind the scenes at Benton ahead of the clash at Arsenal.
It was Emil Krafth who stepped into the defensive rearguard on Sunday but Lascelles is close to a Premier League return and poised to make his 176th appearance in the top-flight for the Magpies if required this weekend.
Speaking about his return to the scene, Lascelles told NUFC TV: "It's huge relief really. It's been tough obviously. I've been injured for so long, a few setbacks on the way as well. I stuck with it, it's been hard, really challenging physically and mentally.
"But credit to the physio I have been working with they kept me strong and were fantastic, got me in a good condition and finally got my reward now."
It was an injury to Kieran Trippier, also a doubt for the Arsenal game, that resulted in Lascelles being elevated to the first-team squad against Chelsea.
He added: "Obviously, I was on the bench against Chelsea which was amazing. Then just played 45 minutes against Celtic B so was delighted. Hopefully I will be on the bench or involved on Sunday and the Everton game as well.
"To be fair what I have been through I was just so happy to be on the bench. I got a great reception from the fans and it was quite emotional for me. Just travelling and being around the boys is such a huge reward for me, I'm happy with that."