Lejeune injured
Rafa Benitez confirmed post match in Porto last night that Florian Lejeune will need an operation following cruciate ligament damage was confirmed for the Newcastle United number 20.
Having had such a good end to the season in partnership with Lascelles at the back the news will come as a bitter blow for Rafa before a ball has been kicked in anger this season.
The injury will keep the player out for at least 6 months, and possibly the entire season with Clark and new boy Schar vying for his place in the first team.
The news may also signal a need to go and get further cover in this position for the season ahead. And with Newcastle continuing to penny pinch in the market this could spell disaster for Rafa in adding much needed quality to the squad in other positions.
Bad news indeed!