Speaking to Newcastle United’s official website, Jamaal Lascelles has revealed he has been playing with a groin injury for large parts of the season.

Lascelles has played a major role in helping Rafa Benitez’s side to promotion in the Sky Bet Championship, but will now sit out the final game of the season due to an ongoing issue.

The Magpies’ captain will undergo a double hernia operation and aim to be back in contention ahead of next season’s Premier League campaign.

The defender revealed he wanted to help the Magpies secure promotion before dealing with his injury, he said: “Five or six months ago, I started feeling my groin. I thought it was a bit of tightness, or whatever, but I was really struggling with it.

“Every day in training, I’d probably train at about 50% - I couldn’t really run, or use my left foot.

“I spoke to the medical staff, and the manager, and it’s not something that can get worse – if you grit your teeth and manage the pain, you can get through it. I just thought, ‘We’re in a position here where we can get promoted’, and obviously being the captain, I wanted to be involved.

“The manager trusts me, and he wants me to play.”

Lascelles was absent from Newcastle’s 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Friday evening, a result which means Benitez’s side can still clinch the Championship title ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion this Sunday.

Should Benitez’s side pick-up three-points against Barnsley at St James’ Park, and Brighton fail to win against Aston Villa, the Magpies will become Champions.

Newcastle fans… Are you impressed by Lascelles' commitment to help your club back to the Premier League? Let us know in the comments!