Sven Botman uncertainty as Newcastle United centre-back ruled out until 2026
Newcastle United are dealing with several key injuries in their defence.
Eddie Howe is concerned about his Newcastle United defence following the loss of Dan Burn to injury.
The Magpies lost 1-0 to Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland on Sunday, a painful defeat that was compounded by Burn’s first-half injury.
The Blyth-born was involved in a heavy collision with Black Cats right-back Nordi Mukiele and initially tried to play on before withdrawing in the 42nd minute.
Burn was struggling to breathe at half-time so was sent to hospital, where tests revealed he suffered a broken rib and a punctured lung.
Newcastle United leader Dan Burn out injured until 2026
According to Howe, the 33-year-old is expected to be on the sidelines for the next four to six weeks, which could see him miss up to eight games in total.
Howe said: “Yeah, it was sort of under the radar, really, in terms of reviewing the game, the importance of Dan and losing him just for everything that he brings to the team. That was a big blow for us.
“I think he's been excellent in recent weeks. So yeah, it's a rib problem with some issue with his lungs. So we wish him well, it will be probably around four to six weeks.”
Sven Botman uncertainty plus Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth’s updates
Newcastle have been boosted by the return of Jamaal Lascelles, who has been recovering from a muscle injury, but still remain without three senior defenders.
Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are targeting a return around the New Year period, however it is unclear when Sven Botman will be available again. The Dutchman had an injection in his back earlier this month and has missed the last five matches.
Howe said: “Yeah, the back line's an issue for us. We don't have many injuries but we have a concentrated group of players that are out who all play the same position and whenever you get that you're stretched. So our back line is looking vulnerable.
“With Sven, we're not entirely sure when he'll return. He's made good progress but I don't think he's ready to play yet. And then we've got Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier still out and their target date will sort of be around the New Year, we think.”
Concern for Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall
Newcastle are without both their back-up right-backs, while the loss of Burn means Howe loses the ability to rotate at left-back therefore increasing the load on Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
“I'd love to look after them but I don't know how we can with the scale of games that we've got,” Howe said. “I think I'll speak to them on an individual basis and see how they are. At the moment they're okay, they're good.
“The beauty of it is they're young, they're very, very good athletes, they've got great attitudes, they want to play. Of course, we need to speak to our performance team and make sure that they're fit to play.
“But with every team selection you're putting people on the pitch and there's a risk of injury. But we're getting to a dangerous point with our defensive structure.”