LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe talks to his team at a drink break during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on April 5, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Newcastle United is dealing with one of their worst injury crises in club history.
The Magpies are still competing on all four fronts despite missing the majority of their first-team squad.
Eddie Howe is currently missing 12 senior players due to Premier League injuries for Saturday’s Premier League match against Chelsea.
Injury has ruled out Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Dan Burn (back), Callum Wilson (thigh), Elliot Anderson (back), Sven Botman (knee), Harvey Barnes (foot), Sean Longstaff (foot), Alexander Isak (hip), Javier Manquillo (hip), and Matt Targett (thigh).
Sandro Tonali was suspended for ten months after engaging in illegal betting while playing for AC Milan.
Lewis Hall, who is on loan for the season, is also unavailable because he is ineligible to play against his parent club.
The Magpies’ problems may be exacerbated as well. Joe Willock, a midfielder who was not named to his manager’s matchday squad, appears to be the team’s latest injury (Craig Hope).
And, demonstrating the depth of the Toon’s crisis, Howe’s bench for today’s game at St. James’ Park includes three goalkeepers and four under-21 players in addition to Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie.
We believe Howe and his coaching staff are counting down the days until the January transfer window opens.
