Eddie Howe 'not 100 per cent sure' whether Lewis Hall will be a Newcastle player next season despite having a £28m obligation to buy in deal for Chelsea loanee

Eddie Howe cannot confirm if Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall will still be a Newcastle player next season, meaning he could yet return to Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old joined the Magpies on a season-long loan in August with an obligation to buy for £28million, with a further £7m in add-ons. The deal included performance-related criteria that needed to be met and, so far, Hall has only made six appearances. In three of his four starts, he has been replaced at half-time.

The expectation is that the left-back will satisfy the terms and stay at St James’ Park, but given his lack of involvement it has led to questions over his future. Asked if the criteria had already been triggered, Howe said: ‘You’re probably asking the wrong man, I’m not 100 per cent sure.’

A club official then intervened when Howe was asked directly if Hall would be a Newcastle player beyond this campaign. But would the decision be made by Howe?

‘It’s not mine,’ said the head coach. ‘For me, he’s here now, he’s a Newcastle player. But I think there’s certain criteria he has to meet.’

Howe added: ‘Lewis is a really talented player. He has huge technical qualities. He is creative and has very good final delivery. He’s a really good attacking full-back. He’s got certain things to learn defensively, which we’re working on with him.

‘But he’s a young age and also recently converted to a left-back. There needs to be a little bit of understanding that he may take a little bit of time to get the defensive solidity that we’re looking for, but he’s a player of such high promise.’

Meanwhile, Newcastle have been hit with yet another injury blow after Harvey Barnes suffered a setback in his recovery from a toe injury. 

The £38m winger was expected to return this week but will not be seen until January at the earliest. There is a fear his absence could be longer-term if needing surgery, and that could yet mean his season is over.

‘Unfortunately, he didn't have surgery on his foot, the specialist felt he would be OK and we're still hoping it's not longer term and he won't need an operation,’ said Howe. ‘But we're still in that phase of whether he's going to come back or not.

‘It is a setback to a degree. He has felt a little bit of pain in his foot again, but we are hopeful it’s not a permanent setback, as in he’ll need an operation, but there is still a chance that might happen, so we’ll see.’

Joe Willock is also out until January after a recent setback in his return from an Achilles injury. Anthony Gordon (hamstring) is doubtful for Saturday’s visit of Fulham, while Kieran Trippier is suspended.