Newcastle United mystery injury exposes major issue as three out until 2026
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Newcastle United injury news: Eddie Howe has a defensive injury crisis to deal with.
Newcastle United’s defensive injury worries continue to deepen following news that Dan Burn will be absent for around four to six weeks.
Burn suffered a punctured lung and rib injuries during a challenge with Nordi Mukiele at the Stadium of Light and, despite carrying on for a few minutes following the incident, was withdrawn by the medical staff. Burn ended the afternoon in hospital having left the Stadium of Light in an ambulance.
Burn’s injury adds yet another defensive issue for Eddie Howe to solve who is now down to just four fit first-team defenders. Two of those, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, have also suffered significant injuries this season and, in an ideal world, would have had their minutes monitored over the coming weeks.
However, United’s head coach on Tuesday admitted that would not be possible with such strained resources. Neither Kieran Trippier nor Emil Krafth will be back before the new year, whilst Sven Botman remains sidelined without a firm return date placed on his recovery.
Speaking about the issues affecting his defence, Howe said: “The back line's an issue for us.
“We don't have many injuries, but we have a concentrated group of players that are out who all play the same position and whenever you get that, you're stretched. So our back line is looking vulnerable.
“With Sven, we're not entirely sure when he'll return. He's made good progress, but I don't think he's ready to play yet. And then we've got Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier still out and their target date will sort of be around the new year, we think.”
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That update means a back four of Livramento, Fabian Schar, Malick Thiaw and Hall will almost certainly be named against Fulham and then again on Chelsea, barring any issues they may pick up this evening. Howe also confirmed that he would have to consider playing either Alex Murphy, who is yet to start a single competitive game for the Magpies, or Jacob Murphy in an unnatural defensive position, to cover the injury issues they are experiencing.
Nick Pope injury latest
One ray of light for the Magpies on the injury front is that Nick Pope is edging his way closer to a return to action. Pope has been absent since picking up an injury last month, with Aaron Ramsdale deputising in his absence.
Ramsdale has started both of Newcastle United’s previous two Carabao Cup games and is likely to get the nod tonight. However, with a hugely important clash against Chelsea to come on Saturday lunchtime, Pope’s return to fitness could give Howe a big decision to make.
On the former Burnley stopper’s injury, Howe told the Gazette: “I don’t think he’s too far away. We’ll see how he is for this game and at the weekend.”
Newcastle United have four matches left to play in 2025, with back-to-back home matches this week followed by successive games on the road. Trips to Old Trafford and then Turf Moor round off the calendar year for Howe’s side.