Newcastle United are back in action tomorrow, taking on Fulham at St James’ Park in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.
This morning, Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media, not only responding to Sunday’s pitiful display at Sunderland, but also offering an update on the injury front.
Sadly, it’s mainly bad news, as the boss has confirmed that Dan Burn will be missing for four to six weeks after suffering a rib injury and problem with his lungs during Sunday’s game, describing this as a “big blow” heading into a busy spell.
On top of that, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth have also been ruled out until the new year, while Sven Botman is making “good progress”, but is “not ready to play yet” as he recovers from a back injury.
Nick Pope is hoping to return from a groin issue this week, whether that’s against Fulham tomorrow or in our league meeting with Chelsea on Saturday, while Jamaal Lascelles is back from a muscle problem.
Discussing our worrying injury situation this morning, Howe said:
“It’s a big blow for us (to lose Dan Burn) because I think he’s been excellent in recent weeks. It’s a rib problem and an issue with his lungs so we wish him well and it will be around four to six weeks out.”
“The back line is an issue for us. We don’t have many injuries but we have a concentrated group of players that all play in the same position.
“With Sven [Botman], we’re not entirely sure when he’ll return. He’s made good progress but he’s not ready to play yet.
“Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier are still out and their target date will be around the new year we think.
“Nick Pope isn’t too far away. We’ll see how he is today and for the game at the weekend.
“Jamaal Lascelles is returning from a muscle problem. He’s fit and training with the group.”
As for Yoane Wissa, Howe revealed that he, our medical team and the player himself will make a decision as to whether the striker is ready to start tomorrow, with the DR Congo international making cameos in our last three games:
“I’ll make a decision on that [whether he’s able to start] in consultation with everybody else, and with the player.
“We’ll have to see whether he can execute what we need him to.”
Howe said: “It’s clear we didn’t play well [against Sunderland]. Certainly in possession, out of possession and defensively [was better]. This was the mess mentioned by Bruno
J(Quote)
Botmans lack of fitness is a real concern particularly given only 18 months left on his contract. We now have to rely on Schar staying fit to play twice a week with Lascelles as back up. I’d be moving Botman on asap and get a quality replacement in.
Keith(Quote)