A hernia specialist was reportedly “shocked” that Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles has managed to play for four months with a hernia injury, according to the Sun.
The player and manager Rafa Benitez reportedly agreed to keep the nature of the injury private with the club’s medical staff, and the centre back has continued to play by managing the pain.
The specialist was called in after the club’s 4-1 win over Preston which sealed promotion to the Premier League, and it was determined that a double hernia operation was required.
The Sun report that Lascelles will undergo surgery today, and will miss the last game of the season against Barnsley. The 23 year old has played 47 games in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Centre back Chancel Mbemba is expected to continue playing in his absence, alongside Ciaran Clark, after helping to keep a clean sheet against Cardiff City in the 2-0 win last time out.
