Newcastle United rocked by fresh injury blow as 20-year-old set for Champions League call-up

Eddie Howe will be forced into at least one change to his Newcastle United starting XI for this evening’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.

Dan Burn, who started at left-back during the Magpies’ 1-0 win against Arsenal on Saturday evening, was forced to withdraw at half-time after falling awkwardly on his back.

Speaking to the media at the Signal Iduna Park on Monday, Howe confirmed the Blyth-born defender is set for “a couple of months” out.

“Unfortunately, Dan will be out for some time I think, It’s another long-term problem, a couple of months,” said Howe. “It’s a speculative number for us. He landed on his spine, there’s a problem with the base of his spine so a huge blow.

“He’s been gigantic for us since he signed for lots of different reasons. His character, determination to win, experience and versatility as well.

“It’s not just one position we’re losing, we’re losing his ability to play centre-back. It’s something we have to roll with.”

Following Burn’s withdrawal against the Gunners, Howe brought on £35million summer signing Tino Livramento at right-back and moved Kieran Trippier to left-back.

Livaramento, who joined from Southampton, helped contain Gabriel Martinelli as the Magpies held out for their eighth clean sheet of the 2023-24 campaign.

"Tino is a very good player, he showed that coming into a difficult moment on Saturday, that game was evenly poised and the atmosphere was red hot,” said Howe.

“ He was playing against a very good opponent and he has come on and done very well again. We will make decisions on team selection based on all the information we have.”

Will Howe keep it the stay against Dortmund?

“It’s an option for us,” he replied. “I’m not going to say with any certainty what we’re going to do because I’m not going to give my team away but it’s certainly an option we have.”

Another option for Howe is Lewis Hall. Like Livramento, the 19-year-old left-back’s only starts have come in the Carabao Cup in wins against Manchester City and Manchester United.

Howe said: “Lewis will be another option for us. I go back to the Manchester United game where he started really well and was a real attacking option for us and scored a great goal. He’s in a really good place.”

Howe, of course, is unavailable to call upon Matt Targett with his hamstring injury set to keep him out for the next three months.