Newcastle’s defensive options have been severely tested by injuries.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has made it clear the club is working hard to be “ready for action” during the transfer window after Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento suffered long-term injuries.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against bottom club Wolves, Howe confirmed that Schar faces three months out after undergoing surgery on the ankle he suffered during Newcastle’s thrilling 4-3 win over Leeds United.
Full-back Livramento, meanwhile, faces eight weeks out with a hamstring injury he suffered in last Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Bournemouth, which Newcastle won on penalties after a 3-3 draw after extra time.
All options available for Newcastle
With Newcastle set to welcome back Dan Burn in the coming weeks after more than a month out due to a punctured lung, the losses of Schar and Livramento leave them very strained defensively, although midfielder Lewis Miley’s impressive adjustment to right-back play has allayed their concerns somewhat.
And when asked if they could make a move in the January transfer window to improve their depth at the back, Howe replied: “All options are available to us. We try to make the right decisions collectively.
“I think I’ve said it several times here, but there are a lot of things to consider. Summer activity, January activity, value for money. The right players are available, so we will take all that into account and try to make the right decision.
“Of course we hope Dan comes back, which will be a big boost for us in the not too distant future. But then we’ll have to make a decision with the number of games we have left. How likely is it that we’ll be injured in those positions? I hope it’s not something we have to deal with, but it’s very difficult to predict. I think we have to be ready to act. And I know there’s a lot of work going on in that case.”
Howe: Elanga needs love
Although Newcastle sold former talisman Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a record fee of £125 million, they also invested heavily this summer, signing Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa on permanent deals while also bringing in goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan.
Thiaw has become an integral part of Newcastle’s defence, while club-best Woltemade has nine goals and three assists, with only Harvey Barnes and Bruno Guimarães (both 13) registering more goals for the team than his 12.
But £55million signing Elanga has struggled mightily, producing just one assist after recording 11 last season for Nottingham Forest.
Asked about Elanga following an unimpressive performance off the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals, Howe said: “It’s a difficult time for him because he’s coming into the game very late, he’s got very few minutes, he’s only just coming back from injury, so he hasn’t been training regularly and of course every time you go on the pitch you’re immediately judged.
“There are some really cool things. The margins between success and failure for the team and for individuals are always so small. I think Anthony will be fine, I think he’s an incredible professional. I think my big wish is that he plays in an environment where he feels safe and free to express himself.
“I think there is no denying his abilities and the qualities he can bring to the team. It will take him a little time to find his best form, but I am confident he will get there.
“My message to all the players is that they love and appreciate the players we have and try to help them find their best form. And that’s the same for everyone.
“We’ve seen players here, even in my tenure, who have taken a while to find their best rhythm. Think of Anthony Gordon, Jolelinton, there are plenty of examples where it’s just taken a bit of time.
“We see Anthony every day, we see his qualities. He’s a unique player, there aren’t many like him. And he has serious qualities that we need. So let’s bring love to all our players.”
Elanga is likely to be involved against Wolves in some capacity, with Jacob Murphy set to miss despite scans on a lingering hamstring problem clearly returning. Will Osula, who can play wide and through the middle, could return from an ankle injury.
