Eddie Howe already has ready-made Lewis Hall alternative but it will be a bold step

Newcastle United’s hopes of avoiding last season’s injury crisis have taken a significant hit. While the situation isn’t as dire as it was a year ago, losing Lewis Hall for the remainder of the campaign due to a foot injury is a severe blow for Eddie Howe and his squad.

This setback arrives just days after Anthony Gordon received a three-match suspension following his red card against Brighton, leaving the Magpies without their usual left-sided combination for upcoming fixtures, including the crucial Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

Hall’s absence is particularly frustrating, as the 20-year-old has been among Newcastle’s most consistent performers this season. His impressive form had positioned him as a likely candidate for Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.

While his future remains bright, his injury forces Howe to rethink Newcastle’s strategy for both their Champions League qualification push and the Wembley showdown.

Howe still has several tactical options at his disposal, though Lloyd Kelly’s loan move to Juventus has limited his defensive choices. Finding the best solution for the coming months will be crucial in maintaining Newcastle’s competitiveness.

A likely approach involves sticking with the defensive setup used against Brighton in the FA Cup. Tino Livramento, who performed well at left-back, could continue in that role, while Kieran Trippier remains at right-back.

Although both players naturally favor the right side, Trippier has experience playing on the left, having done so for England at Euro 2024. This arrangement sacrifices a left-footed crossing threat, but it provides a stable defensive structure.

However, injury concerns for both players could complicate this plan, even if their current issues aren’t considered serious.

Another option involves recalling Matt Targett, a player whose contributions were vital in Newcastle’s successful fight against relegation during Howe’s first season.

Despite his struggles with injuries, Targett has re-emerged in recent weeks, making several substitute appearances. While he lacks Livramento’s attacking capabilities, he offers reliability and an additional threat from set-pieces. He may not be the first-choice solution, but his presence could become more frequent as the season progresses.

Reverting to a familiar defensive setup from two years ago is another possibility. During Newcastle’s push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, the defensive core included Nick Pope, Trippier, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn at left-back.

Though Burn is now two years older and has since transitioned into a central role, his past performances on the left cannot be overlooked. His lack of pace remains a concern, and Howe might hesitate to disrupt the central pairing, but Burn could still be a viable short-term fix.

Botman’s return from injury will also influence this decision, as his presence would strengthen the defense considerably.

Another alternative mirrors the tactical shift used in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, where Howe deployed a back five. The strategy proved successful in a 2-0 win, demonstrating Newcastle’s adaptability.

This time, Newcastle benefits from having Joelinton available, and with Gordon suspended, the Brazilian could seamlessly slot into the left-wing role. That adjustment would allow Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães to control central midfield.

Botman’s availability remains a key factor in this setup, but Emil Krafth has experience as a third center-back and could step in if needed. The back-five approach worked brilliantly against Arsenal and might be the best option for facing Liverpool at Wembley and other high-caliber opponents in the final stretch of the season.

However, whether it suits matches against mid-table teams like Ipswich or Crystal Palace remains uncertain. With challenging away fixtures at the Emirates and Villa Park still ahead, this formation is worth serious consideration.

Howe now faces a critical decision in reshaping Newcastle’s left side while keeping their ambitions intact. Whether he opts for a direct replacement, a tactical shift, or a defensive reshuffle, every choice will have significant implications for the team’s pursuit of silverware and European qualification.