Newcastle United are edging closer to an uncomfortable situation that Eddie Howe would rather avoid, but injuries may leave him with little choice.
The club’s defensive resources have been stretched to breaking point, and with another tough Premier League fixture on the horizon, the manager is already preparing for emergency solutions if things get any worse.
The problem is simple and worrying. Newcastle are running out of recognised centre-backs. Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles are all unavailable, leaving Fabian Schar and Malick Thiaw as the only senior options left in the middle of defence. One more injury, suspension, or setback could force Howe into a drastic rethink, especially with a demanding schedule and no room for error.
There are young players in the squad who can fill gaps, but none offer the comfort of experience at this level. Alex Murphy, a young Irish full-back, has shown he can step inside and operate centrally if needed.
He is calm on the ball and tactically aware, but asking him to anchor a Premier League defence against top opposition is a big responsibility. Howe trusts him, but trust does not remove pressure.
Because of this situation, attention has turned to an unexpected name. Joelinton is now being considered as a potential emergency centre-back. It sounds dramatic, but it is not entirely out of character for Howe.
The Newcastle manager has already reinvented Joelinton once before, turning him from a struggling forward into a powerful and disciplined midfield presence. That move transformed both the player and the team.
Joelinton has also filled in at centre-back during pre-season and has occasionally dropped deeper in matches when Newcastle have shifted shape. His physical strength, aerial ability and tactical understanding make him an option, even if it is far from ideal.
When asked about the possibility, Howe did not rule it out. He admitted it would not be his first choice, but accepted that football often forces managers into decisions they would rather avoid.
However, even that option comes with complications. Joelinton is still recovering from a groin issue and has not played in Newcastle’s last two matches.
He missed the defeat at Sunderland and the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham. During the Champions League draw with Bayer Leverkusen, he was forced off and replaced by Lewis Miley, raising further concerns about his fitness.
Although Joelinton has been training and has appeared on the bench recently, he has not been used. Howe is clearly being cautious, listening closely to the medical staff and resisting the temptation to rush the Brazilian back too soon.
The manager has made it clear that while Joelinton could be involved, starting him before he is fully ready may do more harm than good.
This cautious approach suggests that Joelinton is unlikely to start against Chelsea, even as the defensive crisis deepens. Howe’s priority appears to be protecting the player and avoiding a longer-term injury.
That leaves Newcastle walking a fine line between managing immediate needs and safeguarding the squad for the weeks ahead.
With Lewis Hall also rated as touch and go, Alex Murphy could again find himself involved. The young defender made a brief but encouraging appearance in the cup tie against Fulham, showing composure in a high-pressure moment. Howe was pleased with what he saw and praised Murphy’s attitude, development and willingness to learn.
Murphy has spent a long time training with the first team and has benefited from a productive loan spell, gaining valuable match experience.
While he may not yet be a household name, those close to the club see him as a player with a bright future. Howe’s comments made it clear that he trusts the youngster and believes opportunities like this can accelerate his growth.
Still, trust does not solve the immediate problem. Newcastle are heading into a crucial phase of the season with very little margin for error. One more defensive setback could force a reshuffle that affects the entire team’s balance.
Midfielders may have to drop deeper, systems may need to change, and players could be asked to perform roles far removed from their natural positions.
This situation highlights how quickly things can unravel in modern football. Injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion can strip a squad down to its bare bones in a matter of weeks.
For Eddie Howe, the challenge is not just about surviving the next match, but about finding solutions that keep Newcastle competitive without risking long-term damage.
Whether that means trusting youth, reshaping the system, or making a bold call with Joelinton, difficult decisions are coming. The next few days could define how Newcastle navigate this period, and Howe will be hoping his luck changes before he is forced into a move he never planned to make.
