As they aim to make it a third game without defeat following victories over Arsenal and Birmingham City in cup competitions, Newcastle United could be without two top defenders against Manchester City this weekend.
Newcastle injury news
The Magpies know all about injury struggles, having had their fair share of sidelined stars in the last campaign. Barring early season frustration, this time around has been slightly different. Alexander Isak is now back to his best and firing on all cylinders, as is Newcastle’s midfield with Botman also recently returning in defence to hand Howe a major boost.
Their injury fortunes paid dividends against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, as they swept Arsenal aside to win 4-0 across two legs and book their place at Wembley where they’ll face Premier League leaders Liverpool.
That said, Newcastle couldn’t keep their injury problems away forever and Eddie Howe is now facing concerns regarding Botman, Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn, who all recently had scans.
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Botman and Burn could now miss this weekend’s game against Manchester City in what would leave Newcastle short at the back once again.
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He would complete Eddie Howe’s attack.
Meanwhile, in more positive news, Gordon could yet make the trip to The Etihad as he looks to become the latest winger to take advantage of an injury-ridden Manchester City backline.
Whilst Botman missed Birmingham altogether last time out, Burn made the first-half only to be subbed off through injury. Without both, Howe could be forced to form a makeshift backline and once again rely on Emil Krafth to step up for his side.
“Incredible” Burn still important at Newcastle
Although Lewis Hall has made the left-back spot his own, Lloyd Kelly’s January departure to join Juventus means that Burn still has an important part to play at the heart of Newcastle’s defence.
Amid Botman’s fresh return from a lengthy absence, it could be the towering defender selected when the fixtures come thick and fast to partner Fabian Schar as his teammate gets back to full fitness.
Many may not be quick to hand Burn praise, but Howe is not one of those. The Newcastle boss had nothing but positives for his £55,000-a-week defender last year, telling BBC Sport: “He’s been an incredible signing for me and much better than I had hoped.
“He’s helped to galvanise the players and I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s been a huge player for us. I understand it as it’s football and everyone has an opinion, but Dan has been such a big player for us in many ways. He’s pivotal to how we play without giving too many tactical things away.”
That praise will make Burn’s potential absence that much more frustrating against Manchester City, as Newcastle look to earn what would be a crucial victory in the race for Champions League qualification.