Newcastle United return to action tomorrow night with a huge Carabao Cup quarter-final at St James’ Park, where Fulham arrive looking to spoil the party.
After the disappointment of Sunday’s derby defeat at Sunderland, attention has quickly turned to team news and injuries, and Eddie Howe has delivered an update that offers very little comfort for supporters.
Speaking to the media this morning, the Newcastle boss faced questions not only about the poor performance at the weekend but also about a growing list of absentees.
Unfortunately, the headline news was far from positive. Howe confirmed that Dan Burn will be sidelined for between four and six weeks after picking up a rib injury that was complicated by an issue with his lungs during the Sunderland match.
The defender had to be withdrawn and taken to hospital for checks, and Howe admitted this setback comes at a very bad time for the club.
Burn has been one of Newcastle’s most reliable performers in recent weeks, offering leadership, physical presence and calm in a defence that has often looked stretched. Losing him during a packed run of fixtures is a serious concern.
Howe did not hide his frustration, describing the injury as a “big blow” as Newcastle prepare for a demanding schedule across domestic competitions.
The problems do not stop there. Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth have both been ruled out until the new year, further thinning options at the back.
With Burn now joining the list, Newcastle find themselves short on numbers in defensive areas, not because of widespread injuries across the squad, but because so many of the absences are concentrated in the same positions.
Sven Botman remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a back problem. There is some encouragement in that his rehabilitation is progressing well, but Howe made it clear that the Dutch defender is not yet ready to return to action.
No firm date has been set for his comeback, adding to the uncertainty at the heart of defence.
There was slightly more positive news regarding Nick Pope. The goalkeeper has been dealing with a groin issue but is close to making his return.
Howe explained that a decision will be made after assessing Pope’s condition in training, with a possible comeback either against Fulham in the cup or in the upcoming Premier League clash with Chelsea at the weekend. Having Pope back between the posts would be a timely boost, given his importance to Newcastle’s defensive stability.
Jamaal Lascelles has also returned to full training after recovering from a muscle problem. His availability gives Howe another option at centre-back, although match sharpness and fitness will need to be managed carefully after his time on the sidelines.
When discussing the overall situation, Howe was open about the challenge facing his squad. He explained that while the total number of injuries is not unusually high, the fact that they are all affecting defenders makes the situation far more difficult to handle.
Rotation becomes almost impossible when so many players in the same area are unavailable at once.
Attention also turned to Yoane Wissa, who has featured from the bench in Newcastle’s last three matches. The striker is edging closer to full fitness, but Howe confirmed that a final decision on whether he can start against Fulham will be made jointly by the coaching staff, the medical team and the player himself.
The key question is whether Wissa can carry out the physical and tactical demands required from the first whistle.
Howe stressed that player welfare remains a priority, and there will be no unnecessary risks taken. While Wissa’s return to the starting lineup would offer extra firepower, Newcastle cannot afford another setback during this already difficult period.
As Newcastle prepare for a crucial cup tie, the injury update paints a worrying picture. Key figures are missing, others are only just returning, and the margin for error is slim. The challenge now for Howe is to manage these absences, find solutions within his squad, and restore confidence after a bruising derby defeat. With silverware still within reach in the Carabao Cup, Newcastle must find a way to push through adversity and deliver a response when Fulham arrive on Tyneside.
