Newcastle United have major issues in defence ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham.
It has been confirmed that Dan Burn will be out for up to six weeks, having suffered a broken rib and a punctured lung during the Tyne-Wear derby defeat.
It is a huge blow for Newcastle United, as Dan Burn becomes the latest defender to be ruled out of action.
He joins Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth on the injured list, leaving Eddie Howe with just four fully fit defenders.
That puts pressure on Tino Livramento, Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schar and Lewis Hall, but they could soon be joined by another defender.
Who would you start in defence against Fulham?
Jacob Murphy at right-back? A chance for Alex Murphy?
Jamaal Lascelles closing in on Newcastle United return
Eddie Howe has addressed Newcastle United’s defensive issues in his pre-match press conference before facing Fulham.
While he had bad news on Botman, Trippier and Krafth, there was a positive update on Jamaal Lascelles.
The 32-year-old has not been seen since the 3-1 defeat to Brentford, but could soon be available again.
“The back line is an issue for us,” Howe said, as reported on the club’s official X account.
“We don’t have many injuries but we have a concentrated group of players that all play in the same position.
“With Sven [Botman], we’re not entirely sure when he’ll return. He’s made good progress but he’s not ready to play yet. Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier are still out and their target date will be around the new year we think.
“Jamaal Lascelles is returning from a muscle problem. He’s fit and training with the group.”
After the derby disaster, what changes should Eddie Howe make for the Carabao Cup quarter-final? 🏆
We'll start – get Yoane Wissa in the starting XI!!!
Jamaal Lascelles’ last Newcastle United run came during an injury crisis
Lascelles has been conspicuous by his absence as of late. He has made just two appearances this season, after recovering from a devastating knee injury.
The centre-back did not feature at all during the 2024/25 season, losing more than a year of his career to an ACL injury suffered in March 2024.
The 2023/24 season was the last time Lascelles had a consistent run in the Newcastle United starting XI. He enjoyed a run of 19 starts in 20 games, including an incredible performance in Newcastle’s Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Lascelles initially rolled back the years in black and white, coming into a side that was without Sven Botman due to injury. The Magpies then suffered more injuries, losing Dan Burn and Matt Targett.
He is not far away from being required again, as an injury crisis rips through Eddie Howe’s defensive options.