Back in September, Newcastle United’s Jamal Lewis joined São Paulo on a loan deal with an option to buy.
The Norther Ireland international has made six appearances for São Paulo. He picked up an ankle injury while with his national team last month and has been sidelined since then.
São Paulo sporting director Carlos Belmonte has stated there’s an option to cut short his loan stay in January, and explained Newcastle can recall the left-back next month. The official also said the 26-year-old will return to England should he need surgery.
Gazeta Esportiva claim the Newcastle owned player has already returned to England and may not continue at the Brazilian club.
They say Lewis ‘has a good chance’ of undergoing surgery to fix the ankle problem that’s been troubling him for the past few weeks. He’s in discussions with the Magpies’ medical staff to decide on the best possible treatment.
If the defender were to undergo surgery, he will be out of action for a few months. In that case, São Paulo won’t be able to rely upon him for first half of next year and therefore, his loan stay is unlikely to made permanent.
Eddie Howe’s side are assessing Lewis’ situation and need to make a final decision. At this point in time, it feels like he’s already played his last game for São Paulo.
