Newcastle United’s injury troubles have spread to Eddie Howe’s coaching staff.
Injuries have been the narrative of Newcastle United’s season, and not only among the playing team!
After losing Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to ACL injuries, which will keep them out for six to nine months, goalkeeping coach Shwan Jalal has also suffered major knee damage. Jalal, who joined Eddie Howe’s coaching staff from Stockport County in October 2022, developed the problem at United’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai last month.
It is anticipated that the 40-year-old will be out of action until pre-season, with former Magpies goalkeeper Tony Caig temporarily drafted in to assist head coach Adam Bartlett.
Caig, a backup to Shay Given and Steve Harper during Sir Bobby Robson’s tenure, returned to Newcastle as head of academy goalkeeping two years ago after coaching stints at Carlisle United, Hartlepool United, and Livingston.
His typical responsibilities include guiding the development of the club’s under-23 goalkeepers as well as planning, organizing, and monitoring the academy’s overall goalkeeping programme from an early age. However, in Jalal’s absence, Caig will take on some first-team responsibilities.
Caig and Bartlett were seen warming up Martin Dubravka and co. on the pitch before kick-off in last week’s Premier League matches against West Ham United, Everton, and Fulham.
The Magpies have seven games left this season to secure European qualification. Caig may also have the opportunity to train with England’s No. 1 goalkeeper Nick Pope, who is expected to return from a shoulder injury later this month.
