Newcastle United head into their clash with Fulham facing a growing injury crisis at the back, and it could open the door for a very special moment for one of the club’s brightest young talents. With defensive options running dangerously low, there are strong signs that a teenage academy prospect could be handed his long-awaited senior debut.
Eddie Howe’s problems in defence have deepened over the past few days. Dan Burn is the latest name added to an already worrying injury list after suffering a broken rib and a punctured lung during the recent derby defeat at the Stadium of Light.
The severity of the injury could keep him sidelined for up to six weeks, dealing a major blow to Newcastle’s plans during a busy run of fixtures.
Burn now joins Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth on the treatment table, leaving Howe severely stretched at the back. What was once a position of strength has quickly turned into a headache, forcing the manager to explore every possible option available to him.
In recent matches, Howe has already leaned on youth by keeping Alex Murphy in reserve, trusting the young defender to be ready if called upon.
Now, another academy graduate appears to be edging closer to first-team involvement, with all signs pointing toward Leo Shahar.
Newcastle United’s Under-21 side were in action on Tuesday night against Halifax Town in the National League Cup. The starting lineup featured several familiar academy names, including Sean Neave, Park Seung-Soo and Anthony Munda.
However, one notable absence stood out. Shahar was nowhere to be seen, which immediately raised eyebrows among supporters.
Given the current injury situation, Shahar’s absence strongly suggests he is being prepared for involvement with the senior squad ahead of the Fulham game.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, it is the clearest hint yet that the 18-year-old could be in line for his debut in black and white.
Shahar operates primarily as a right-back, a position where Newcastle are desperately short on options. With both Trippier and Krafth unavailable, Tino Livramento is the only senior player capable of filling that role.
Livramento has already logged a huge number of minutes since returning from injury, and the lack of natural cover has been a major concern for the coaching staff.
Introducing Shahar into the matchday squad would provide some much-needed support and protection for Livramento, while also rewarding a player who has consistently impressed behind the scenes.
Although he has yet to make his senior debut, Shahar is no stranger to the first-team environment. He has previously been named on the bench and has trained regularly with Howe’s squad, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
Those close to the club speak highly of his attitude, work rate and tactical awareness, qualities that align perfectly with Howe’s demands. While throwing a teenager into a high-pressure cup tie is never ideal, necessity often creates opportunity, and Shahar looks ready to take his chance.
A debut against Fulham would be a huge milestone in his young career and another example of Newcastle’s commitment to developing talent from within. For Howe, it may not be a choice, but rather a requirement driven by circumstance.
As Newcastle prepare for a crucial Carabao Cup quarter-final, all eyes will be on the team sheet. If Leo Shahar’s name appears, it will mark the beginning of what many believe could be a very bright future at St James’ Park.
