Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has suggested that Jamaal Lascelles is in danger of missing the team's Premier League clash against Manchester United, reports The Shields Gazette.

What's wrong?

The club captain suffered an ankle injury during last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth at St James' Park.

The problem forced Lascelles off the pitch in the 55th minute when the Magpies were on level terms with the Cherries at 0-0.

Even though Newcastle do not take on United at Old Trafford until November 18, Benitez is unsure whether his skipper will return to fitness in time.

The Shields Gazette quotes the manager as saying:

“It’s still a bit painful. He’s been working with the physios and getting a little bit better, but it’s slow. We have to wait a couple of days, and then without inflammation we’ll see how it is.”

Could this spell trouble for Newcastle?

There is no doubt that Lascelles has been one of the team's best performers this season.

The 23-year-old has led from the back by marshalling the defence and helping the Magpies stay in touch of he top 10.

Losing the Englishman's quality will only hurt Newcastle, particularly against a United team with world-class talent.

Not only is Lascelles a doubt, but Mikel Merino is on the sidelines, and there are reports that the Spaniard could miss out of action until December.

Newcastle need to be wary, because if injuries start to pile up, the club could find themselves lingering around the relegation zone.

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