Photo by Pat Elmont - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Pat Elmont - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Eddie Howe has addressed the possibility of including Lewis Hall in his Newcastle United starting XI against Brentford on Sunday.
The 21-year-old made his return from injury on Wednesday night, coming off the bench during Newcastle United’s win over Athletic Club in the Champions League.
Lewis Hall impressed on his comeback, slotting in at left-back like he had never been away. It was an accomplished cameo from a player who has been a big miss this season.
Newcastle fans were impressed with Hall’s return, and now the desire is to see him reclaim his place in the starting XI.
That is something that Eddie Howe is considering, but the Newcastle United manager’s latest comments suggest that Hall may have to wait a little bit longer to return to the starting lineup.
Lewis Hall in action for Newcastle United in the Champions League against Athletic Club.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Eddie Howe says Lewis Hall is ‘closer’ to starting for Newcastle United
Eddie Howe has spoken to the media ahead of Brentford vs Newcastle United, and was asked if Lewis Hall is close to starting for the first time since the Carabao Cup win over Bradford City.
“He’s closer [to a return to the starting XI],” he said.
“I thought it was a really good cameo from him [against Athletic Club].
“We have to remember he’s had very limited training time so I have to be careful with him. He’s very much in my thoughts because of the quality of player he is.
“He’s had a difficult period. He had a serious injury. The hamstring injury wasn’t serious but it was enough to keep him out of action for a period of time. He’s such an important player and we need him fit for the long term.”
Eddie Howe must act with caution after Lewis Hall’s return
It was great to see Hall back in action on Wednesday night. While it was only a brief outing, he showcased exactly why he is such a popular player at St James’ Park.
When every member of the Newcastle United squad is fit and firing, there is no doubt that he should be in Howe’s starting XI at left-back.
Being fit has been an issue for Hall in recent months, having started just two games since undergoing foot surgery in March. He has been a big miss, which is the precise reason why Howe must be careful.
Rushing him back into the starting XI will only put him at risk of a setback, which is not what Newcastle need amid their gruelling run of fixtures.
Another cameo for Hall feels more likely on Sunday, with Dan Burn predicted to start for Newcastle against Brentford. The 33-year-old deserves to retain his place in this side, especially after his glorious header.
After the international break and another sustained period of work on the training ground, Hall should be more than ready to start. That is when the real selection dilemma comes for Howe, who will want to find a way of keeping Burn in his side while giving Hall the minutes he needs.
But that is a problem for another day, with Howe’s current stance on Hall suggesting he will not start Sunday’s game in West London.