Eddie Howe is once again facing a familiar problem at Newcastle United injuries piling up just when his side is heading into a busy stretch of fixtures.
The Magpies’ boss knows the importance of squad rotation, but with several key players sidelined, his options are stretched thin ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton.
This season, Newcastle have been hit hard by injuries, many of them coming from unfortunate tackles rather than muscular problems. The club has seen over £95 million worth of talent including Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey out of action.
While both are closing in on their returns, other players like Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall face longer spells on the sidelines.
To make matters worse, there have been additional scares during the international break. Here’s how the squad is shaping up as the Magpies prepare for their next test.
Yoane Wissa has yet to make his debut for Newcastle since his summer move. The DR Congo international suffered a knee injury while on international duty, delaying his introduction to the team.
Initially expected back after six weeks, his recovery has taken slightly longer than planned. Howe revealed that Wissa recently visited a specialist, and while the injury hasn’t worsened, the club is being cautious.
If everything goes well, he could feature later this month when Newcastle host Fulham. His energy, movement, and direct attacking style will provide Howe with the kind of spark that has been missing in the final third.
Another big summer signing, Jacob Ramsey, has also spent time on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury during the goalless draw at Leeds United.
The £40 million addition from Aston Villa narrowly missed out on a spot in the squad against Nottingham Forest before the break but is expected to be ready for selection against Brighton.
Howe confirmed that Ramsey was close to returning before the break and has since completed more training sessions. His creativity and composure in midfield will be a welcome boost for Newcastle’s attack, especially with games coming thick and fast.
Meanwhile, Tino Livramento, who had been one of Newcastle’s most consistent defenders, will be out for at least eight weeks following a knee injury. The young right-back suffered the blow after being bodychecked mid-air by Arsenal’s William Saliba an incident that left fans furious.
A specialist later confirmed that the injury wasn’t as serious as first feared, but it will still rule him out until late November or early December.
Howe described it as a setback, but one that could have been worse. Livramento’s pace and defensive reliability have made him a key figure, so his absence will certainly be felt.
Lewis Hall, on the other hand, continues to battle persistent injury problems. The young left-back, who had only just returned to the team, picked up a hamstring injury during Newcastle’s Champions League win over Union Saint-Gilloise.
The medical team is still waiting for a second scan to confirm the extent of the damage, but early signs suggest it’s not a short-term issue.
Howe expressed his disappointment, explaining that the club had been managing Hall carefully to avoid exactly this kind of setback. For now, there’s no clear timeline for his return, but the hope is that it’s not a long-term absence.
There was also concern over Lewis Miley, who had to withdraw from England’s Under-21 squad due to a calf issue. Thankfully, that decision was mainly precautionary, and Newcastle expect him to be fit enough to travel for the Brighton match.
The teenager has been impressive whenever called upon, showing maturity beyond his years, and his availability will give Howe some much-needed midfield depth.
In defence, the sight of Dan Burn with his hand heavily strapped during England duty caused alarm among supporters.
However, the experienced defender quickly calmed fears by confirming that while he had indeed broken a bone in his hand, he would still be available to play. Burn revealed that the injury occurred during a game when he reached out to grab an opponent and felt a crack.
After seeing a specialist, he was cleared to continue playing with protective support. His determination to play through pain epitomises the fighting spirit that Howe has instilled in his squad.
Overall, Newcastle’s injury situation remains challenging, but there are encouraging signs that key players are on the mend. Wissa and Ramsey’s imminent returns will bring more attacking options, while Burn’s availability provides stability at the back. The main concern lies with Hall and Livramento, whose recoveries could stretch well into the winter.
Eddie Howe knows how crucial the next few weeks will be. The club faces a demanding fixture list across multiple competitions, and depth will be tested. But with some of his key stars edging closer to fitness, Newcastle could soon find themselves back at full strength just in time to push for a strong run in both the Premier League and Europe.
