Jamaal Lascelles missed Newcastle United's win over Nottingham Forest after picking up a thigh injury in the warm-up at St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon. The Magpies captain was replaced on the substitutes bench by Paul Dummett after pulling up just moments before the Premier League opener.
Dan Burn and Fabian Schar were paired together at the heart of the defence as both Lascelles and new addition Sven Botman missed out against newly-promoted Forest. Howe will now assess the 28-year-old in the hope it is not a long-term problem.
Asked about Lascelles after the 2-0 win, the Newcastle boss admitted: "I don't know, I think he felt his thigh in the warm-up. I don't think he could fully sprint. I don't know if it's a pull or just some tightness so I'll have to speak with him."
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While Lascelles missed out on the victory, Botman was offered a few brief minutes of the bench towards the end of the tie. With his every touch cheered by the home supporters, it looks like the Dutchman is set for a prosperous future on Tyneside.
However, Botman may have to wait a little longer until he makes the starting XI for Newcastle in the Premier League. “They [Schar and Burn] were excellent second half of last season together with Jamaal, who more than played his part. All three centre-backs, for me, were excellent, but we needed more strength in depth," Howe continued.
"We couldn’t rely this season on three. Obviously, Fede Fernandez has had quite a few injury problems. We felt it was a position we needed to strengthen. Sven was a long-term target for us. We were delighted to sign. I think this period, however long it is before he gets his opportunity to start, will do him the world of good. He’ll get to know the league, he’ll get to know the speed."
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