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Newcastle United’s hopes of ending their 70-year trophy drought have been dealt a devastating blow with confirmation that defender Lewis Hall will miss the remainder of the season, including the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Hall Ruled Out After Foot Injury Requires Surgery
The club confirmed on Wednesday that the 20-year-old defender requires surgery on a bone in his foot after consulting with specialists this week. The injury, initially sustained during Newcastle’s Premier League defeat to Liverpool in February, has proven more serious than first thought.
“Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall will miss the rest of the 2024/25 season after sustaining an injury to a bone in his foot,” the club announced in an official statement. “Following a scan and advice from a specialist, Lewis will undergo surgery before a period of rehabilitation with the club’s medical team.”
Hall, who joined Newcastle permanently last summer following a successful loan spell from Chelsea, had established himself as a key figure in Eddie Howe’s squad this season. The young defender had started every Premier League match since September and earned his senior England debut in November.
Gordon Suspension Compounds Howe’s Selection Headache
The news comes as a double blow for manager Eddie Howe, who will also be without star forward Anthony Gordon for the Wembley showpiece on March 16th.
Gordon received a straight red card during Newcastle’s FA Cup fifth-round defeat to Brighton on Sunday after pushing defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the back of the head. Despite initially suggesting the club might appeal the decision, Newcastle have opted to accept the three-match suspension.
The absence of both players leaves Howe without his first-choice left-side combination for the final, a significant concern given they will face the formidable attacking threat of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Livramento and Barnes Expected to Step Up
With both Hall and Gordon unavailable, Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes are expected to be called upon to fill the void on Newcastle’s left flank.
Livramento, primarily a right-back, has occasionally deputized on the left side this season, while Barnes will be tasked with providing the attacking threat usually offered by Gordon.
“We’ll need to adapt quickly,” a club source revealed. “Tino and Harvey have big shoes to fill, but the squad remains confident they can rise to the occasion.”
Race Against History
The selection crisis comes at the worst possible time for Newcastle, who are bidding to win their first domestic trophy since 1955. The Magpies reached last season’s Carabao Cup final but fell to Manchester United, and this year’s rematch against Liverpool represents another golden opportunity to end their silverware drought.
Hall’s breakthrough season—featuring 34 appearances and five assists across all competitions—has been a bright spot in Newcastle’s campaign. The club will now hope his rehabilitation progresses smoothly following surgery, with an eye toward his return for the 2025/26 season.
Newcastle fans will be hoping this double setback doesn’t derail their Wembley dreams, as Howe and his depleted squad prepare for what promises to be their most significant match in recent history.
