Newcastle United Defender Passes Major Milestone on Injury Comeback
In a remarkable journey back to fitness, Newcastle United’s club captain, Jamaal Lascelles, is making significant strides in his recovery from a devastating knee injury that sidelined him for much of last season. After enduring a harrowing period of rehabilitation, Lascelles is now eyeing a return to the pitch, potentially as early as December or January. This milestone marks a significant turning point in what has been a long and arduous path to recovery.
Lascelles, who suffered a catastrophic ACL injury during last season’s thrilling 4-3 victory over West Ham at St James’ Park, is optimistic about his future. He reflects on the challenges faced during his rehabilitation, stating, “It’ll take me a while to build up from there, but I’m happy to be ticking those boxes. Now it’s about getting my boots back on and progressing slowly.” With his next milestones firmly in sight, the defender is targeting a return to light training in the coming weeks.
As he prepares for his comeback, Lascelles acknowledges the mental and physical toll that such an injury can take. “In terms of my recovery, I’m well over the worst now,” he explains. “I should be back on the grass soon and jogging in the next few weeks.” His determination to return to the Premier League is palpable, especially after watching his teammates narrowly miss out on European competition last season.
With his 31st birthday approaching, Lascelles is eager to contribute once again to the team’s success. The former Nottingham Forest star, one of the longest-serving players at Newcastle, admits the journey has not been easy. “Obviously, it is tough—mentally just as much as physically,” he shares. “Fortunately for me, I enjoy working out and spending time in the gym. I spend half my day there, but it’s something I genuinely like doing.”
For Lascelles, setting weekly and monthly goals has become a crucial part of his recovery strategy. He relishes the challenge of pushing himself, achieving milestones, and then setting new targets. “I still try to do what I can around the group, even though I’m not out on the pitch,” he adds, demonstrating his commitment to staying connected with his teammates during this challenging time.
Interestingly, Lascelles’ return coincides with that of teammate Sven Botman, who also faced a knee injury last March. The two defenders have been leaning on each other throughout their rehabilitation processes, strengthening their bond as they both aim for a timely comeback. “It’s great when we’re in the gym at the same time, and the boys have been fantastic and really supportive,” Lascelles notes. “Sven and I have formed a really close relationship. We both say that it’s quite difficult going to the games.”
Despite the challenges of watching from the sidelines, Lascelles remains dedicated to supporting his teammates. “I’ll always go and be in the dressing room to support the boys, but when you’re injured for a while like us, it can be hard to watch because you want to be out there, fighting for your teammates and playing in front of the fans.” However, he maintains a positive outlook, stating, “But it’s sport, and it happens. I know I’ll come out much stronger on the other side.”
As Newcastle United kicks off a promising season, Lascelles emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and perspective. “We’ve started the season well, so it’s just about not getting too high and not getting too low. Keep trusting the process and training hard.” With his unwavering determination and the support of his teammates, Jamaal Lascelles is on the brink of a triumphant return to the pitch, ready to once again don the black and white stripes of Newcastle United.