Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has been dealt a significant defensive blow, confirming that key defender Dan Burn will be sidelined for the crucial festive period.
Derby Challenge Ends in Hospital Visit
The 33-year-old England international was stretchered off during Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby defeat to Sunderland after a heavy challenge from Black Cats defender Nordi Mukiele, who was booked for the incident. Burn attempted to play on but was forced off just before half-time after reporting breathing difficulties and was subsequently hospitalised overnight.
Howe revealed the extent of the problem at a press conference ahead of Newcastle's Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham. "It's a rib problem and an issue with his lungs," the Magpies' boss explained. "We wish him well and it will be around four to six weeks out." This timeline means Burn will miss the entirety of the busy December and January fixture list.
Howe's Defensive Crisis Deepens
The loss of Burn exacerbates an already serious injury situation in Newcastle's defensive ranks. He joins a treatment table that includes vital figures such as Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Emil Krafth, while Jamal Lascelles and Harrison Ashby have also faced recent fitness battles.
This leaves Howe with severely limited options at the back as his team faces a relentless schedule of twelve matches in quick succession. Only Fabian Schar, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall, and Tino Livramento remain as fully fit senior defenders, with Lascelles a potential returnee for the Fulham cup tie.
"The back line is an issue for us," Howe admitted candidly. "We have a concentrated group of players that are out and all play in the same position. Whenever you get that you're stretched, so our backline is looking vulnerable."
Seeking a Response After Derby Disappointment
Howe now faces the task of rallying his squad following the painful 1-0 derby loss, where Sunderland extended their unbeaten league run in the fixture to ten matches thanks to a Nick Woltemade own goal.
The manager has called for continued support from the St James' Park faithful as the team navigates this challenging period. "All I urge the supporters to do is what they've always done since I've been here and that's support the team," he stated, emphasising that the season's objectives remain within reach.
Newcastle, the current Carabao Cup holders, will look for an immediate reaction when they host Fulham tonight at 8.15pm, hoping to advance in the competition despite their mounting injury concerns.
