Newcastle United are heading toward the January transfer window with more questions than answers, and a growing defensive crisis has added an unexpected twist to their plans.
Eddie Howe and his staff are being forced to think on their feet as injuries continue to pile up, leaving the squad stretched thin at the back and creating uncertainty over what the club may need to do next.
At present, Newcastle are missing six senior defenders. Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento are all unavailable, leaving Howe with very limited options.
As a result, the Magpies have been forced into creative solutions. Fabian Schar, Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall have formed the core of the defence in recent matches, while 19-year-old Lewis Miley, naturally a midfielder, has been asked to fill in at right-back.
Young prospects Alex Murphy and Leo Shahar have also been pulled into matchday squads to provide emergency cover, highlighting just how thin things have become.
This situation is far from ideal, especially with a busy run of fixtures and the transfer window fast approaching. Howe is hopeful that the worst of the crisis will soon pass.
Trippier and Krafth are expected to return around the turn of the year, while Botman is believed to be close to making his comeback. Livramento and Burn, meanwhile, are targeting a return around the middle of January. If those timelines hold, Newcastle’s problems could ease naturally without the need for drastic action.
However, Howe has been honest in admitting that nothing is guaranteed. Injuries can be unpredictable, and setbacks are always possible. Because of that, Newcastle are keeping their options open and refusing to commit to a fixed transfer strategy too early.
Howe has explained that the club’s January business will depend heavily on how the squad looks as the calendar turns. If players return on schedule, the need to act could be reduced. If they do not, Newcastle may be forced into moves they would rather avoid.
One solution that has been discussed internally is the potential recall of Matt Targett from his loan spell at Middlesbrough. Targett, who is out of contract at Newcastle at the end of the season, has been enjoying a strong campaign in the Championship and has played a key role in Boro’s push for promotion.
His experience and familiarity with Howe’s system make him an obvious short-term option should Newcastle need immediate cover.
Howe has confirmed that there is a clause allowing the club to bring Targett back in January if required. He has also been clear about how stretched his defensive resources currently are, admitting that he is running out of solutions.
At the same time, he has stressed that no decision will be rushed and that Targett should remain focused on his football unless Newcastle truly need to intervene.
That potential plan, though, has been thrown into doubt by recent events. On Boxing Day, Targett was forced off injured during Middlesbrough’s goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers.
The full extent of the injury is not yet known, and both clubs are waiting for clarity. While early signs suggest it may not be serious, even a short absence could complicate Newcastle’s thinking.
Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg has been cautious in his assessment, explaining that it is too early to say how bad the injury is. He has made it clear that Boro are hoping for good news and are keen to keep Targett involved, especially given their own defensive needs.
Hellberg has also spoken warmly about Targett’s impact, praising his intelligence, technical quality and versatility, including his ability to play at centre-back when required.
From Middlesbrough’s point of view, losing Targett in January would be a major blow. He has settled well, appears happy at the club, and has been one of their most reliable performers when fit. If his injury proves minor, Boro will be desperate to keep hold of him for the remainder of the season.
For Newcastle, the situation is delicate. Recalling an injured player would make little sense, while leaving things as they are carries its own risks if further defensive issues arise.
This is where the January twist comes into play. Howe’s confirmation that clauses can be activated shows Newcastle have options, but the timing and fitness of key players will decide everything.
Ultimately, Newcastle’s January plans remain fluid. The club would prefer stability, patience and a clear picture before acting. But football rarely allows for perfect planning.
With injuries, uncertainty and key decisions looming, the coming weeks will be crucial. Whether Newcastle ride out the storm with returning players or are forced into emergency measures, one thing is clear: the defensive situation will shape everything they do next.
