Newcastle United are facing a fresh setback in what has already been a difficult period for their defensive unit. The club’s injury crisis shows no signs of abating, with multiple key defenders still unavailable and crucial transfer plans now in jeopardy.
Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, and Tino Livramento have all missed action over the festive period, leaving the Magpies scrambling for solutions. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Lewis Miley has been covering at right-back, proving himself capable despite being far from his natural position in midfield.
Matt Targett’s potential loan recall from Middlesbrough was considered, but injury complications and the imminent return of the main squad will likely keep him at Teesside until his contract situation allows him to move freely in the summer.
The ongoing issues at right-back and full-back positions have forced Newcastle to look carefully at the transfer market. With Trippier and Krafth out of contract this summer, and Tino Livramento attracting interest from Manchester City, the club faces significant uncertainty over its long-term defensive setup.
Talks are reportedly ongoing to secure Livramento on a long-term deal, but the Magpies are also exploring wider options to futureproof their squad and avoid being caught short again. A move for a young, versatile defender from abroad was seen as a potential solution, but recent developments have complicated matters.
One target Newcastle had set their sights on is 19-year-old Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie. Capable of playing both at left-back and center-back, Methalie has impressed in Ligue 1 this season and earned a call-up to the France Under-21 squad.
Standing at 6ft 2in, the teenager fits the physical profile Newcastle are seeking to strengthen their defensive options. Reports suggested that the Magpies were preparing to make an approach for Methalie this month, despite the fact he recently signed a contract extension with Toulouse until 2030.
His performances had put him on Newcastle’s radar as a potential long-term solution, someone who could gradually integrate into the first team while providing flexibility across the backline.
Unfortunately for Newcastle, Methalie has now suffered a knee injury that has thrown those plans into doubt. During a Toulouse press conference, head coach Carles Martinez Novell confirmed that the young defender would undergo surgery to address a chronic knee problem.
While the operation is not expected to be serious, Novell admitted the exact return date remains uncertain and described the recovery period as lasting “several weeks.” Methalie had started 14 Ligue 1 games this season, predominantly as a left wing-back, contributing one assist along the way.
The decision to operate during a suspension was strategic, aiming to address a year-long issue while minimizing disruption to Toulouse’s campaign.
This development comes as a significant blow for Newcastle, who were counting on a mid-season move to shore up a vulnerable defense. With a congested January schedule approaching, including the final stages of the Champions League group phase and a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City, the Magpies are short on options.
Sporting director Ross Wilson has confirmed that the club has funds available to invest in the squad, but sources suggest there is unlikely to be a major splurge this month. Despite the club’s record £130 million sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool in the summer, Newcastle have struggled to fully replace the star forward and maintain consistency.
Approximately £250 million has already been spent on squad improvements, yet the team currently sits mid-table in the Premier League, demonstrating the challenges of balancing large-scale investment with sustained performance.
Newcastle’s squad depth has been tested repeatedly this season, and the Methalie injury adds another layer of complexity to an already congested fixture list. Right-back and left-back remain priority positions to reinforce, but the timing of any move has been impacted by unforeseen circumstances.
Lewis Miley’s versatility has been a blessing in disguise, allowing Howe to field a functional backline despite absences, but it’s clear that the teenager is not a long-term solution in defense.
Maintaining stability and avoiding further injury setbacks will be crucial as Newcastle navigate multiple competitions in January, including high-profile league matches, European fixtures, and domestic cup ties.
As things stand, Newcastle will need to weigh short-term fixes against long-term planning. The Magpies have demonstrated ambition in scouting and pursuing young talent like Methalie, but injuries and contractual realities have limited their flexibility.
Howe and his management team now face a delicate balancing act: ensuring immediate competitiveness while safeguarding the squad’s future through strategic recruitment and contract negotiations.
With full-backs returning to fitness only gradually and key defensive targets sidelined, Newcastle’s January window may be defined as much by what they cannot do as by what they can achieve.
The coming weeks will be pivotal, not only for the team’s defensive stability but also for the wider trajectory of the season, as the club looks to compete on all fronts without compromising its long-term vision.
| Player | Position | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tino Livramento | Right-back/Left-back | Injured, nearing return | Talks ongoing for long-term contract |
| Kieran Trippier | Right-back | Out of contract in summer | Experienced leader, unavailable for weeks |
| Emil Krafth | Right-back | Out of contract in summer | Recovery ongoing |
| Sven Botman | Centre-back | Injured | Key defensive option, return expected weeks |
| Dan Burn | Centre-back | Injured | Part of defensive crisis |
| Lewis Miley | Midfielder/Right-back | Covering RB | Natural position midfield, versatile option |
| Matt Targett | Left-back | Injured | Loan recall unlikely due to injury and timing |
| Dayann Methalie | Left-back/Centre-back | Injured, surgery | Out for several weeks, previously targeted by Newcastle |
