Eddie Howe faces yet another significant setback in his managerial role at Newcastle United. The Magpies have been hit with a major injury blow to a key player, which comes on top of ongoing issues, as confirmed by Howe.
Newcastle has been performing reasonably well this season, achieving impressive wins in both the Premier League and Champions League, despite the persistent injury concerns. Throughout the campaign, Howe has been without several crucial players, with Sven Botman notably absent, and concerns are growing due to the lack of updates on his knee injury. In addition, Alexander Isak has been unavailable in the attacking department due to a muscle problem, and Harvey Barnes remains sidelined.
These injuries are just a few examples of the challenges Newcastle is facing, and they are now heading to a crucial Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening with even more problems. Both Jacob Murphy and Dan Burn will be absent from the game after being forced off during last Saturday’s 1-0 win against Arsenal at St James’ Park, adding to the growing list of setbacks.
An update on Dan Burn’s injury was provided as well, and it’s unlikely to bring joy to Newcastle supporters. Speaking ahead of the Dortmund match, Howe confirmed that Burn will be sidelined for months after an awkward fall against Arsenal:
“Regrettably, Dan will be out for an extended period, possibly a couple of months. He landed on his spine and seems to have a problem at the base of his spine. This is a significant blow for us because he has been an invaluable asset in many ways, including his character, determination, experience, and versatility. We’re not just losing a player in one position.”
This injury is undoubtedly a significant setback for the Magpies, as Dan Burn has been a consistent presence at left-back in recent years, showcasing his loyalty to his boyhood club. This season, Burn’s statistics illustrate his substantial impact, with goals in both the league and Europe, along with an impressive average of five clearances per game in the latter.
Former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand also praised the 31-year-old, emphasizing the incredible nature of his story. He said, “The story is phenomenal. He has a season ticket here. His heart must be pumping out of his chest. What a moment for him, his family, and this club.”
The hope is that Burn’s absence won’t be as lengthy as feared by Howe, but there’s no denying that it could significantly affect Newcastle’s performance in various competitions. It might necessitate moving Kieran Trippier to left-back, a position he has previously played for club and country, while Tino Livramento could step in at right-back. Additionally, Lewis Hall might have several opportunities to shine.
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