Jamal Lewis now looks set to miss Newcastle United's game at home to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Starter under Howe

Since Eddie Howe's appointment, Lewis has become a regular in the St. James' Park faithful's team.

The Northern Ireland international has started their last four games in the Premier League, where he was barely getting a look-in under Steve Bruce (Transfermarkt).

However, he was forced to come off early in their 3-1 loss away at Liverpool last time out, and now is an injury doubt ahead of their match at home to Man City.

The Latest: Not looking good

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the clash against Pep Guardiola's men, Howe has now claimed that Lewis' injury 'looks bad', and could be a 'hamstring problem'.

The former AFC Bournemouth manager was 'surprised' because of how 'athletic' Lewis is, and added that he has been 'excellent' in his athletic work.

The Verdict: No problem

While losing Lewis could be a blow to the North East club's hopes of getting anything from the reigning Premier League champions, they have a capable replacement in Matt Ritchie.

Howe thought that the Scotland international was 'fantastic' in replacing Lewis, emphasised by his high pass accuracy (76%), accurate long balls (three) and minimal possession losses (six) compared to the rest of his teammates on the night (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, Ritchie has two assists and has averaged more shots (0.7), key passes (1.9), dribbles (0.3). crosses (1.8) and long balls (2.6) than Lewis in the top flight so far this season (WhoScored), and so would pose more of an attacking threat if the Magpies do take their rare chances to get forward against the reigning champions.

In other news, find out which 'sensational' ace NUFC are now 'closing in' on signing here!