Newcastle United winger confirms 8 week injury blow – season at risk of being over

Newcastle United’s promising young winger Trevan Sanusi faces an extended period on the sidelines, delaying what had been shaping up as a breakthrough season for the 17-year-old.

His first competitive appearance for the senior team came in January during the 3-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Bromley, where he was introduced as a substitute for Will Osula in the final 20 minutes.

However, an unfortunate injury has halted his progress, forcing him to miss crucial opportunities that could have seen him further integrate into the first-team setup.

With Anthony Gordon sidelined, Sanusi seemed poised for a spot on the bench in Newcastle’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Birmingham City, his former club.

Yet, he too carried a fitness issue, leading to the inclusion of fellow 17-year-old Sean Neave in the squad instead. Having already been out for five weeks, Sanusi took to Instagram to confirm his absence will extend for another eight weeks, pushing his return date to late April or early May.

The timing of this setback means he could miss the remainder of the season, as Newcastle’s under-21 side plays its final match in mid-April, while the under-18 campaign wraps up on May 3.

The first team’s Premier League season extends until May 25, but with Eddie Howe’s squad likely fighting for European qualification, an immediate return to senior action for the teenager appears unlikely.

Sanusi had been making significant strides this season, earning a place in Newcastle’s pre-season squad and traveling with the team to Tokyo before featuring in the Sela Cup matches against Girona and Stade Brest.

His first-team debut against Bromley marked a significant milestone, and Howe later revealed that while the youngster had not been a regular in senior training sessions, he had been monitoring his performances closely.

Despite primarily operating with the under-23 squad, Sanusi’s progress had been evident, with Howe highlighting his strong pre-season and recent upturn in form.

The Newcastle manager acknowledged the winger’s natural confidence, pointing out his ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations, a trait that makes him a valuable attacking asset.

Howe also emphasized areas for development, particularly the need to build physical resilience to cope with the demands of senior football. Opposition defenders will inevitably target him, making strength and durability crucial aspects of his progression.

The Newcastle boss praised Sanusi’s balance and ability to ride challenges but noted that his end product—final passes, crosses, and finishing—requires refinement. With continuous coaching and game time, the expectation remains that he will develop into a more complete attacking player.

Interest in Sanusi predates his arrival at Newcastle, with top Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City all reportedly tracking his progress before he opted to make the move from Birmingham City in 2023.

His decision to join Newcastle was influenced by the club’s clear pathway for young talent, inspired by the emergence of players like Lewis Miley, who transitioned successfully into the senior squad. Sanusi expressed his ambition to follow a similar trajectory, acknowledging his desire to break into the first team and make a lasting impact.

Given his playing style and technical ability, comparisons to former Newcastle fan favorite Allan Saint-Maximin have naturally emerged.

Sanusi is aware of these parallels and embraces them while striving to carve out his own identity. He admired Saint-Maximin’s flair and unpredictability, attributes that have drawn similarities between them.

However, the teenager remains focused on developing his own game, aiming to contribute more goals and assists rather than solely relying on skillful dribbling. While entertaining the crowd with his flair is a bonus, his primary objective remains to improve as a player and maximize his impact on the pitch.

Despite the current injury setback, Sanusi’s potential remains undeniable, and Newcastle continues to view him as an exciting prospect for the future.

His recovery will be closely monitored, ensuring that when he returns, he can build upon the progress made this season. With a strong mindset and continued dedication to improving his game, he has all the attributes to become a key figure in Newcastle’s long-term plans.

As he works his way back to full fitness, his journey remains one to watch, with expectations high for what he can achieve in the coming seasons.