Some devastating news tonight for Newcastle United, with Rafa Benitez confirming that Florian Lejeune will now need an operation after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury.
A crushing blow – not just based on his ability as a defender, but his influence on the team as a ball player.
This will more than likely rule him out for at least six months and possibly the entire season, coming as a huge blow given the impressive partnership he was forming with Jamaal Lascelles on his debut season in England.
He had played in our opening friendly with St Patrick’s Athletic last week, however suspicions were raised when he was left out of the trip to Hull on Tuesday.
Here’s what Rafa’s said on the injury following tonight’s 0-0 draw with Porto:
“The reality is we have lost Lejeune – he has a cruciate ligament injury, so we will lose him for a while…
“He will need an operation, and he will need some time – Bad news for us.”
“We needed a centre back before (Lejeune injury) and still we need maybe another one.
“It’s bad news about Lejeune but to see Fabian Schär doing well is important; he will give us this extra option we didn’t have.”
Florian Lejeune has suffered a cruciate ligament injury, according to Rafa Benitez. #nufc
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) July 28, 2018
Thankfully, Swiss international Fabian Schar has been signed, meaning we have him, Lascelles and Clark available, however you suspect Benitez may now look to sign another centre-back on loan – and he hints at this here.
Awful news, but hopefully he can make a full recovery and new boy Fabian Schar can settle in quickly – he may have to now!
Lejuene will need an operation. Rafa: "We could lose him for a while. Bad news for us." #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) July 28, 2018