Newcastle United’s defensive nightmare has just got even worse after Dan Burn’s injury.
The 33-year-old was forced off during Newcastle United’s defeat to Sunderland, having been on the receiving end of a crunching challenge from Nordi Mukiele.
Dan Burn went to hospital following the incident, with the defender struggling to breathe after being substituted.
Should Nordi Mukiele have been sent off for his challenge on Dan Burn?
The Toon defender suffered a broken rib and a punctured lung 😳
It has now been confirmed that Burn suffered a broken rib and punctured lung, and could be out of action for the next six weeks.
That is a massive blow for Eddie Howe, who already has Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth absent through injury.
Dan Burn injury pushes Alex Murphy up the Newcastle United pecking order
With Newcastle United suddenly desperately short of defenders, there could be an opportunity for Alex Murphy.
The Irish defender has made three senior appearances for Newcastle United so far, and could now be needed again – either at left-back or centre-back.
Murphy has been on the bench a lot for the Magpies as of late, and has now jumped even further up the pecking order following Dan Burn’s injury.
That could open the door for the 21-year-old to play for the first-team, with his only appearance this season coming in the Carabao Cup against Bradford City.
His other two appearances were in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season.
After losing on Sunday, do you think Newcastle United will finish higher than Sunderland this season?
They weren't particularly great, but they didn't need to be.
Alex Murphy’s loan plan could be ruined by Dan Burn
While Murphy is suddenly rising up the Newcastle United pecking order, he could also be at risk of missing out on a loan move away from Tyneside.
It was recently reported by the Daily Mail that Murphy was going to hold talks with the club about going out on loan during the January transfer window.
He has had one loan spell away from St James’ Park during his Newcastle United career so far, spending the second half of last season in League One with Bolton Wanderers. He made 13 appearances and scored two goals.
Getting more senior minutes under his belt is probably what Murphy needs most, but there is now a fear he could be forced to stay at Newcastle as defensive cover.
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