Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis has finally returned from his ‘dark days’ break and opened up about the struggles he’s dealt with this season. Psychologically, Lewis admits that his mental health has been less favorable than he would have liked it to be.
For Lewis, he’s been barely utilized in Newcastle’s starting XI this season and looks to be considering his time with the Magpies going forward.
The Northern Ireland left-back joined Newcastle United in September of 2020 in a £15m deal from Norwich City where he agreed to a five-year deal that keeps him locked down with the club through the 2025 season.
This past week, it was reported that Lewis was taking some time to himself in order to address his unfavorable position with Newcastle United. Currently, he sits behind Dan Burn and Matt Targett to play at his left-back position.
Burn, who thrives as a center-back and struggles at left-back, has been given the call to start over Lewis who more than likely feels disrespected by that decision.
“I’ve had a tough time over the last couple of years or so just with injuries and health and finally my body’s in a good place,” he said. “I’m ready to play but unfortunately I’m not getting the game time I would probably like at Newcastle.”
Throughout his time with the club, he’s had countless issues with lower-body injuries that have slid him to the outside looking in when it comes to getting more minutes.
Even with Burn struggling, and Targett missing contests this season, Lewis has only been allotted eight total minutes throughout the entirety of the year.
With the team finding success as well on the brink of a European League qualifying season, the opportunity for him to find time shrinks as the team continues to win.
Newcastle United will look to take on Manchester United in a revenge game this coming weekend. With Lewis looking to find a role, this contest looks as though he will be unable to get any playing time once again.
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