NEWCASTLE NOTEBOOK: Toon's injury crisis hits their non-playing staff

Newcastle’s injury problems have extended to their backroom staff, with goalkeeping coach Shwan Jalal suffering serious damage to his knee during the club’s recent trip to Dubai, Notebook can reveal.

Such is the current misfortune to have hit the Magpies, the 40-year-old was injured in the final 15 minutes of the last session before the squad returned home to Tyneside.

Jalal will be out of action until pre-season and has his leg in a protective brace. Care of the keepers will be left with Adam Bartlett, and Eddie Howe is lucky in that he operates with two very capable goalie coaches. Bartlett is the club’s head of goalkeeping.

However, the loss of the former Bournemouth stopper is still a blow, given the impending return of Nick Pope from a shoulder layoff and the need to work him back to fitness, as well as look after Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie.

Newcastle have lost defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to ACL injuries in recent weeks, and a review of the medical situation at the club is underway.

As Notebook revealed on March 1, Newcastle are pursuing a move for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly. That need has been strengthened since the injuries to Botman and Lascelles.

However, we understand there is still some negotiating to do for the free agent, and fees expected by intermediaries could yet be a problem.

Recruitment chief Steve Nickson has been leading the way in the absence of a sporting director, and talks are ongoing.

Kelly, 25, would be ideal for Newcastle given his Premier League experience and free-transfer status this summer.

Newcastle have now told several academy players they will be released this summer, including two who made their Premier League debut this season.

Striker Michael