‘A risk’ - Newcastle United star reacts to injury that is set to rule him out for three months

Newcastle United star Jacob Murphy is set to undergo surgery after being unable to play through his shoulder injury.

The 28-year-old dislocated his shoulder during the 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund just under a fortnight ago. Murphy missed the next two games against Wolves and Manchester United as Newcastle’s medical team discussed the best way to proceed.

Rather than immediately send the 28-year-old for an operation, the Magpies took the risky approach of trying to manage it and the winger therefore returned to the matchday squad for Saturday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal.

However, 15 minutes after coming on, Murphy’s shoulder again popped out and he was replaced by Matt Ritchie. United head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed the former Norwich City man is looking at three months out.

“Jacob came to see me and we had various discussions with the medical team,” said Howe. “We felt it was a risk putting him back on the pitch but it was a risk he and the medical team were prepared to take.

“We knew he could potentially do it again so he will now definitely need an operation. But there was a chance also he could get through it and continue to fit and play for us. It’s a huge blow. I’m not sure but it’ll probably be three months.”

Despite facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Murphy said: “Tonight was a risk but a risk I felt was worth taking to be out there and fight with my team! 3 big points 🦾 @nufc 🖤🤍”

Murphy wasn’t the only injury-hit player to emerge from the evening after Dan Burn fell awkwardly on his back and had to be replaced at half-time by Tino Livramento.

The injuries keep on mounting for Howe’s squad with Alexander Isak, Elliot Anderson, Sven Botman, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett and Javier Manquillo, plus the suspended Sandro Tonali, also unavailable.