Medical expert issues ‘huge’ verdict after latest on Lascelles injury at Newcastle
It is no surprise to see Newcastle United skipper Jamaal Lascelles break down given the “huge” number of hamstring issues across the league.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Lascelles hobbled off with 20 minutes remaining in the Magpies’ crucial 1-0 win at Leeds United last Saturday (22 January)
As quoted by the Shields Gazette after the match, manager Eddie Howe suggested “I think it was his hamstring, he went down quite awkwardly.”
The 28-year-old centre-back was one of three Newcastle casualties as Paul Dummett and Joelinton also picked up injuries.
Dinnery revealed that the Premier League has been badly affected by a spate of hamstring issues in recent months.
“It doesn’t come as any great surprise,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“When we look at the data, it always rises in January. We have seen a huge increase in instances as we progress through the winter months.
“Fatigue is one of the biggest factors when we’re talking about muscular and soft tissue injuries.
“The best way to describe it is as a bucket under a tap, and that tap is dripping. For the large part, it’s absolutely fine, but then it overflows.
“The body gets to a point where it breaks down. With the demands of the programme, I can’t say I’m shocked.
“The dynamic nature of sport, that is why hamstrings are the most prevalent soft tissue injuries. They make up around 40 per cent of all soft tissue issues.
“You hope that given the situation that Newcastle are in, we see Lascelles back after the break.
“Centre-backs tend to be fairly robust. They aren’t explosive high-impact players, and that can mean they sometimes don’t spend as long out.”
Lascelles has scored one goal from 18 appearances this term.
Newcastle are up to 18th after the victory at Elland Road.
In other news, Newcastle United agree terms with Andy Howe after Bournemouth exit.