Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe delivered a mixed injury update on December 23 2025 ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Manchester United, offering hope for some returns while confirming prolonged absences for others. With the squad stretched thin during a hectic festive period, the news comes alongside reports of Will Osula edging closer to a January move to Eintracht Frankfurt on a loan to buy deal. This article examines Howe’s latest on eight players, the implications for the Manchester United game, Osula’s potential departure, and the club’s need for depth in attack and defense.
Encouraging Signs for Key Returns
Eddie Howe’s press conference brought positive developments for several players. Tino Livramento’s knee injury, initially feared serious after he was stretchered off against Arsenal, is looking less severe. This news as increased The Toons odds of winning the game to 2/1 according to online bookmakers. The club believes it’s “good news,” with Livramento expected to resume training “quite quickly” pending final checks. Howe was cautious: “It’s a difficult one because there’s quite a bit of information on Tino. We’re waiting to get full clarification. We’re hoping it’s not serious at all and he can resume training quite quickly. But before confirming that, we want to be sure that we’re right. We haven’t got clarity on that but hopefully it’s good news.”
Nick Pope, sidelined with a groin issue since late November, could train today and has a chance of featuring against Manchester United. Howe said, “He hasn’t trained yet but we hope he might train today.”
Sven Botman, recovering from a back injury, is “not far away” but hasn’t trained yet, with Howe adding, “Sven is doing well and we hope to get him back pretty soon. When that is we’re not sure but we don’t think he’s too far away.”
Joelinton, absent since the 2 2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen due to a groin problem, is “closer” to returning and may be in contention for Manchester United. Jamaal Lascelles is back training after a muscle issue, providing defensive cover.
Prolonged Absences Compound the Crisis
The update was less optimistic for four players. Dan Burn faces four to six weeks out with a rib injury and lung complication from the Sunderland game. Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are ruled out until the new year with hamstring and knee issues, respectively. Will Osula remains sidelined for another month with an ankle concern.
Howe described Burn’s absence as a “big blow”: “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.” He highlighted the concentrated defensive injuries: “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.”
Yoane Wissa, edging closer after a behind closed doors match, will be assessed with the medical team and player for a potential start against Manchester United.
Osula’s Frankfurt Switch Gains Momentum
Will Osula’s Newcastle future looks set to end in January, with Eintracht Frankfurt advancing talks for a loan to buy deal. The 22 year old, who nearly joined the Bundesliga side for £30 million on deadline day before the move collapsed, has agreed personal terms with Frankfurt. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports Osula wants the transfer, prioritizing game time as third choice behind Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle, more open than in summer when rejecting a loan without obligation, may accept if the buy clause exceeds £20 million. Osula’s limited minutes three goals and an assist in 280 reflect fierce competition, with his ankle injury adding to frustrations. A departure would free wages but leave Newcastle short up front, with Sean Neave, 18, potentially stepping up as a rotation option after bench appearances.
Implications for the Manchester United Clash
The Boxing Day trip to Manchester United on December 26 2025 is pivotal, with Newcastle aiming to build on recent wins. Pope’s potential return would boost confidence, but Ramsdale’s form offers reliability. Botman’s near return and Lascelles’ availability strengthen defense, while Joelinton’s possible involvement adds midfield bite. Osula’s absence and Wissa’s cautious integration leave Woltemade as the main striker, with Neave a youth option.
Howe’s squad management, praising Ramsdale’s “energy” and backing Pope’s “shot stopping,” shows faith amid adversity. The nine game December run tested depth, but positive updates signal resilience for 2026.
A Squad Poised for Recovery
Newcastle’s injury crisis, with Burn, Trippier, Krafth, and Osula out, and Botman and Wissa doubtful, demands careful navigation. Pope’s hoped for return and Livramento’s quick recovery offer light, while Osula’s Frankfurt move, if finalized, frees resources but highlights depth needs. Howe’s measured updates reflect a manager steering through storms, with Manchester United a chance to end 2025 strongl
