Newcastle United will head into their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven with fitness concerns at the back as Eddie Howe continues to contend with an injury-hit squad that has left the Magpies short on defensive options.
Newcastle United’s injury situation has been compounded by long-term setbacks to Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento, reducing Newcastle to just four senior defenders at a crucial stage of the season as revealed by Newcastle World.
Schar suffered ankle ligament damage during the dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Leeds United and was taken to hospital after being stretchered off. The Swiss defender has since undergone surgery and is expected to remain sidelined until at least April.
Livramento joined him on the sidelines just days later after picking up a hamstring injury in the FA Cup third-round penalty shootout win over Bournemouth. The versatile full-back is facing an extended spell out and is not expected to return until March, further limiting Howe’s options across the back line.
Jamaal Lascelles is another defensive figure unavailable for selection. The club captain has not featured since early November and is currently not training with the first team due to ongoing physical issues rather than a specific injury. There is also uncertainty surrounding his future, meaning a winter exit could be on the cards.
Emil Krafth remains unavailable after sustaining a knee problem while on international duty with Sweden in November. The defender’s recovery is taking longer than initially anticipated, with no clear return date established at the time of writing. Newcastle are taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation in hopes that he’ll regain fitness sooner rather than later.
Further up the pitch, Will Osula is nearing a return after spending more than three months out with an ankle injury. The young forward has resumed the final stages of his recovery after a period of rest and is expected to be available again soon. However, this particular fixture may come slightly too early.
Jacob Murphy is another doubt after struggling with persistent hamstring discomfort despite scans showing no structural damage. Newcastle are continuing to manage his situation carefully as they look to avoid rushing him back into action.
There is, however, some positive news for Howe elsewhere. Dan Burn is closing in on a return after recovering from a broken rib and punctured lung sustained in last month’s defeat to Sunderland.
The towering center-back is running again and remains in good physical shape. However, he is still experiencing some pain during high-intensity sprints. Newcastle expect the England international to be available for their final UCL league phase clash against Paris Saint-Germain later this month.
The Magpies, currently 12th on the Champions League standings with ten points from six games, need a victory on Wednesday to boost their hopes of securing automatic qualification into the round of 16. With the backing of St. James’ Park, Howe’s charges will fancy themselves to get all three points.
