- Back injury rules Burn out for two months
- Targett out for three months with hamstring problem
- Magpies squad stretched with injuries and suspensions.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed his concern over the extended absence of defender Dan Burn, who is expected to be out for approximately two months due to a back injury. Burn, who has played a crucial role at left-back, was substituted at half-time during Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Burn and Targett ruled out as injury list threatens to impact season
Adding to the defensive woes, fellow left-back Matt Targett is also sidelined for an estimated three months due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Carabao Cup triumph against Manchester United on November 1st.
Speaking on Monday, Howe lamented the loss of Burn, emphasising his significant contribution since joining from Brighton in 2022. He praised Burn’s unwavering determination to win and his adaptability on the field. Howe acknowledged that Burn’s injury not only affects the left-back position but also reduces his options at centre-back.
Burn has been a linchpin in the Newcastle defence this season, starting in every Premier League and Champions League match so far. Howe, speaking from Germany ahead of the team’s Champions League group stage fixture against Borussia Dortmund, described the projected two-month absence as an estimate.
The absence of both Burn and Targett will put substantial pressure on the team’s defensive options. Finding suitable replacements for the injured left-backs will be a challenge for Newcastle. Howe will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void created by these injuries.
This situation tests the squad’s depth and adaptability, and Howe will need to make tactical decisions to navigate this period without two key defenders. Currently, Newcastle occupy third position in Group F of the Champions League, behind Borussia Dortmund, who secured a victory against them last month. At the time of writing, however, Newcastle are second favourites to make it out of Group F, with BoyleSports pricing them at evens.
Betting Implications
The loss of Burn is a blow to the Magpies, on top of their other injury and suspension worries. However, despite these problems Howe has got the maximum from the players who are fit, making significant changes for the EFL Cup tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which Newcastle won 3-0. Newcastle are in a great run of form despite their problems, however, bettors need to assess whether Burn’s absence will affect their form and whether, eventually, having so many players unavailable will start to affect results.
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