Howe could unleash Newcastle's exciting 18-year-old after Lewis Hall blow

Newcastle United fans will already be excited about the upcoming Carabao Cup final, despite Eddie Howe‘s men going through a bumpy patch of form as of late.

A choppy February saw the Magpies lose three Premier League contests to lose ground on the race for a top-four finish, whilst March was also kicked off in grim fashion with an FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Still, there is that silver lining of a Wembley final, but Howe will be without the ever-improving and England hopeful Lewis Hall for this showdown versus the Reds in yet another blow to Newcastle’s ever-thinning confidence.

The latest on Lewis Hall’s injury situation

Hall did not feature in that clash against the Seagulls, instead replaced by Tino Livramento on the left as Kieran Trippier featured from the right.

Sadly, the club’s worst fears have now been confirmed with it now being revealed that the ex-Chelsea youngster will be out for the rest of the campaign due to a foot injury, which was coincidentally picked up against Liverpool at the back-end of last month.

This will be a kick in the teeth for Newcastle with Hall a consistent bright spark for the Toon from the left-back spot this season, leading to four assists being picked up in all competitions.

Moreover, this could result in the Toon having to rely on Matt Targett in games to come, with a lack of other options at Howe’s disposal away from the reserve defender.

However, as Newcastle’s successful track record with youngsters is evident in the current make-up of the senior side – with William Osula and Lewis Miley given opportunities routinely – it could be time for the Magpies manager to bump up an exciting starlet to add depth to Hall’s depleted position.

Newcastle’s next rising star could profit from Hall’s injury

There a number of top talents in the Newcastle U21 ranks just waiting for a senior shot, with 19-year-old striker Ben Parkinson up to seven strikes this season in Premier League 2, alongside his midfield teammate Alfie Harrison helping himself to a stellar five assists.

Undoubtedly they will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Toon sensation Lewis Miley and former Magpie Elliott Anderson in rising to the top of the game.

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But, away from the standout forward areas, there is a left-back in the U21 camp who could soon be fast-tracked to the senior side, with Dylan Charlton perhaps now the chosen starlet.

After all, Charlton is already known to Howe when the Magpies boss gave the teenager some minutes in a post-season friendly versus Tottenham Hotspur back in May 2024, with the 18-year-old, ironically, replacing Hall on that day out in Melbourne.

Completing all eight of his passes from his 13-minute cameo, Charlton will hope his further progression in the U21 ranks this season stands him in even more good stead for a senior chance soon, especially with the former Chelsea man now occupying the St James’ Park treatment room.

Much like Hall, Charlton has shown throughout his time on the youth pitches at Newcastle that he has an eye for an assist from the full-back spot, with three picked up from 75 appearances lining up for the U18s and U21s.

His patience to keep performing competently in youth sides could now pay off, with Howe unafraid to gift academy products senior chances too, considering Miley became the club’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant under his regime.

Further, Hall is only 20 years of age himself, meaning a route into the first team isn’t out of the question for the Gateshead-born defender whatsoever, as the St James’ Park masses crave another homegrown gem.

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