‘Huge problem’ - Eddie Howe facing ‘backbone’ crisis situation at Newcastle United
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley believes Eddie Howe’s main concern should be shoring up Newcastle United’s fragile defence.
Fulham stuck three past the Magpies yesterday in a dominant performance at Craven Cottage. Every goal could arguably have been prevented, with Nick Pope and Bruno Guimaraes at fault for the last two.
Howe made defensive fortitude a priority when Newcastle qualified for the Champions League two years ago. Sturdy backline conceded the joint fewest in the division but injuries and form has left the Magpies vulnerable.
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Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles remain sidelined while Howe does not know his best left-back or right-back. That rings true for midfield and up front too, with Newcastle chopping and changing the engine room and wide options.
Speaking to ESPN, ex-Blues star Burley pinpointed the defence as the main area for concern. The 52-year-old also claimed Newcastle are actively trying to sell Kieran Trippier, a suggestion Howe denied during the recent transfer window.
“Their backbone was their back line," Burley said. "That was the foundation. Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn, it’s just not happening anymore.
“Botman is injured, Trippier, they want out. They want to get rid of Trippier. Dan Burn is playing centre-half, Livramento played full-back but then Trippier played.
“The back line was solid for them and it gave them a base. That has been obliterated. Last year it was obliterated by injuries. Pope, the centre-halves, Trippier lost form. Now you can’t guess what the Newcastle back four will be next week and that is a huge problem.”