Newcastle United vs Chelsea was not just about the race for Champions League qualification.
It was a special afternoon inside St James’ Park, as Newcastle beat Chelsea to put them on the brink of a Champions League return.
The atmosphere truly was special, especially after Sandro Tonali’s goal in the second minute.
There was also another special moment in the first half, but it was on the touchline rather than on the pitch.
Newcastle United player returns from 13-month injury
For the first time since March 2024, Jamaal Lascelles was named in the Newcastle United squad.
Photo by Michael Driver | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Driver | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
After more than 13 months out of action due to an ACL injury, the club captain was back in the matchday squad.
Lascelles received a wonderful ovation from the Toon Army as he came out to warm up during the game, and it was an ovation that left the 31-year-old feeling ’emotional’.
Jamaal Lascelles feeling ’emotional’ after St James’ Park return
Lascelles completed his injury comeback on Tuesday, playing 45 minutes for the Newcastle United Under-21s against Celtic B.
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After his first appearance back from injury, Lascelles spoke to the club’s in-house media team about what is next and what it was like to be involved against Chelsea.
“I was delighted to be on the bench the other day,” he said.
“Hopefully I’ll be on the bench or involved on Sunday and for the Everton game as well.
“To be fair, what I’ve been through, I was just so happy to be on the bench. I got a great reception from the fans. It was quite emotional for me.
“Just travelling and being around the boys is such a huge reward so I’m happy with that.”
When Jamaal Lascelles’ Newcastle United contract expires
There had been fears that Lascelles may never play for the club again.
His contract had been due to expire this summer, while there were concerns that he would not be fit until the 2024/25 campaign had drawn to a close.
However, it was recently reported that Lascelles’ Newcastle contract runs until 2026. The centre-back signed a one-year extension, but it was not officially announced by the club.
That is excellent news, as Lascelles is a player that deserves an incredible send-off when the moment comes to call time on his Newcastle United career.
He signed for the Magpies in 2014, becoming captain two years later at the age of 22.