Newcastle defender Lewis Hall ruled out of Carabao Cup final v Liverpool | OneFootball

Newcastle United have been dealt another massive blow ahead of the Carabao Cup final. According to the Daily Mail, defender Lewis Hall will miss the crucial fixture due to an injury.

The Newcastle left-back is struggling with an ankle issue and will not be available for the Wembley showdown against Liverpool (March 16).

Hall sustained the injury when Newcastle lost 2-0 to Liverpool last Wednesday and missed Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

With Gordon suspended and Hall sidelined, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe faces a selection dilemma on the left flank.

The 20-year-old full-back has undergone an assessment by a specialist, and while the full extent of his absence is yet to be determined, the report states he will not recover in time for the final.

This development is a setback for Newcastle, as Hall was supposed to play a key role in containing Liverpool star Mohamed Salah at Wembley.

He is a crucial player for the Magpies, earning glowing praise from Howe in December. “He has played really well this season. He has been very consistent,” Howe said (via the BBC).

“He has been a real shining light in that aspect by being the same Lewis, home or away. For someone so young that is hard to do.

“His technical delivery has been outstanding, building attacks, his final ball can improve, but great to see him get two assists so far.”

In his absence, Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento will likely step into the role and face the task of keeping the Egyptian forward, who has been sensational this season, in check.

Hall’s injury also impacts his international prospects. Having made his Chelsea debut under Thomas Tuchel in 2022, the left-back was reportedly in contention for a spot in Tuchel’s first England squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

However, his injury now puts any potential call-up on hold. The Newcastle defender will have been desperate to nail down that left-back spot for himself. The position is a problem for England, and he is keen to make it his own.