Newcastle United have had a gruelling season so far. They might be sitting in sixth in the Premier League, five points off the top four in a campaign which has also seen the return of European football to St James Park, but after crashing out in the group stages, the sobering reality of the domestic calendar has brought Eddie Howe’s side back down to earth with a bump.
Newcastle have been struck with an extraordinary dose of injury fever which must be causing Eddie Howe to have sleepless nights. Juggling the hard graft of Premier League football, with midweek European commitments whilst also going deep into the Carabao Cup has taken its toll on the Toon.
It seems every game, Eddie Howe is bemoaning the loss of another player, forced off with an injury – left with no choice but to reshuffle his pack, and call on youngsters from the academy to fill his bench. So why have Newcastle been so unlucky with injuries?
Summer signing Sandro Tonali was suspended from playing football, having admitted to making bets on AC Milan matches during his time with the Serie A side. He received 10-month ban from football, which means he will not be available for action until August 2024.
Newcastle woes do not stop there. Number one goalkeeper Nick Pope picked up a shoulder injury against Manchester United, and is sidelined for around four months.
Here is the full list and extent of Newcastle’s injury problems.
Nick Pope – Shoulder injury
Jacob Murphy – Shoulder injury
Harvey Barnes – Foot/Ankle injury
Joe Willock – Calf/Shin/Heel Injury
Elliot Anderson – Lower Back Injury
Matt Targett – Thigh Injury
Joelinton – Thigh Injury
Javier Manquillo – Groin/Hip/Pelvic Injury
They also have a few more minor concerns for players. Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar have all got to be assessed ahead of the next fixture against Luton Town.
Luckily, Newcastle still have the squad depth to put out a competitive starting eleven, but have had to turn to youngsters like Lewis Miley. Miley is 17 years old and has been thrown in the deep end by Eddie Howe but has thrived under pressure.
The midfielder has bagged himself three Champions League appearances against Borussia Dortmund, PSG and AC Milan and has equipped himself well on the biggest stage. He scored his first senior goal for Newcastle against Fulham, and has been relied on to play full 90 minute games by his manager.
Newcastle have been boosted by the returns of Sven Botman and Sean Longstaff, the former being absent since September. It is hard to say whether Newcastle would be in a better position if they had had a fully fit squad, their Champions League status may still be in tact, albeit they were in the group of death.
Naturally, the increased number of games has taken a strain on the players, and in doing that the results. Newcastle already have seven Premier League defeats to their name this season. But they are still going well in sixth, with the backing of owners who have deep pockets and are not afraid to spend.
January could bring Howe breathing space
January may be the perfect time to give Howe a little helping hand, a respite from the constant injury worries. With Newcastle out the Carabao Cup, they will only have a maximum of five games in the opening month of 2024 (if they beat rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup.)
They could also welcome back some long-term absentees including Joe Willock and perhaps Jacob Murphy, giving Howe valuable options in midfield and attack.
A couple of additions in January could ease the anxiety and help Newcastle maintain a push for a return to European football in the second half of the season. Sometimes you make your own luck in football, but black and white shirts have been dropping like flies since August.
Adding further depth in the centre of the pitch and perhaps in goal are two areas that immediately come to mind. Tonali was set to be a key figure for Newcastle this season and has certainly been missed even more given the injury crisis Howe has had to deal with so adding another dynamic central midfielder is a clear priority.
In goal, Martin Dubravka has deputised for the injured Pope but there are question marks around his long-term suitability with Pope still set to be out for sometime. A short-term loan or addition of another experienced goalkeeper could strengthen their hopes of once again qualifying for the Champions League.
Newcastle are not the only side who have been affected by casualties, but the frequency of Newcastle players being sidelined has been relentless. Sympathy is an emotion seldom felt by fans towards other club’s fortunes amid the tribalism of modern day football, but neutrals may feel a tad sorry for Eddie Howe, and his injury-hit Newcastle.
