The young goalkeeper faces several weeks on the sidelines after scans showed that the injury was worse than initially expected, adding to Newcastle’s concerns after he had only recently returned from an ankle problem.
Jaouen suffered the hamstring setback in training with France Under-21s during the international break, reports Chronicle Live. He had started the team’s opening matches of the window before being ruled out of the remaining fixtures and undergoing further examinations.
The 20-year-old had already missed three matches for Newcastle because of an ankle injury. His latest setback now means he will be unavailable for the autumn fixtures while he recovers from surgery, although no definitive timetable has been placed on his return.
The injury is another blow for a goalkeeper who has made only one appearance for Newcastle since joining the club from Reims in the summer in a £25m deal.
His absence leaves Newcastle United continuing with Lukas Hornicek as their first-choice goalkeeper, while Nick Pope remains the experienced alternative. Pope is therefore set to retain the No.2 role and could be called upon if Hornicek becomes unavailable.
Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle had already discussed Pope’s situation with him shortly after taking charge. Following the club’s 2-1 win over Valencia, Jaissle said he appreciated Pope’s career and contribution while acknowledging that the goalkeeper understood his position within the squad.
Pope’s last Newcastle appearance came in the 4-1 defeat at Bristol City in Eddie Howe’s final match in charge, shortly before the club signed Hornicek from SC Braga.
Jaouen had been expected to compete for opportunities, including potentially in the Carabao Cup, but his injury removes that option for the time being. Newcastle will now have to manage their goalkeeping options with their summer signing facing a period of rehabilitation.
The full extent of Jaouen’s absence remains unclear, but the requirement for surgery means the setback is more serious than initially feared. Newcastle will hope the young Frenchman can return without further complications after another frustrating interruption to his first season at the club.
Jaouen’s injury also comes at an awkward stage of his Newcastle career, having only recently returned to contention after the ankle problem. The club had invested heavily in the goalkeeper during the summer, and his latest absence leaves them relying on their established options while he completes his recovery.
The immediate priority will be ensuring Hornicek and Pope are ready for the fixtures ahead.