Newcastle United injury updates: Eddie Howe suffers headache ahead of Manchester City showdown
Newcastle United players let their hair down on Sunday after a tough FA Cup match against Birmingham City on Saturday night. The Magpies were victorious 3-2 and advanced to the FA Cup’s fifth round.
It was a game filled with tackles and yellow cards thrown around like confetti. Eddie Howe must have been peeking through his fingers at times as his damaged squad risked picking up more injuries, reminiscent of cup matches from the past.
Dan Burn, however, was forced to leave the game in the second half due to a groin injury. With Sven Botman already out due to a knee injury and Lloyd Kelly leaving for Juventus, Newcastle’s defensive resources appear to be depleted. That wasn’t the only setback at the weekend, as Howe disclosed that Anthony Gordon would miss the game owing to an injury sustained in the Carabao Cup triumph against Arsenal in midweek.
Howe’s side has no midweek games and may try to recover from the tiredness that has set in. They return to action on Saturday, travelling to Manchester City (3pm).
At training today, the Newcastle manager will have to go through a list of his injured players. Here’s an update on the Manchester United injury situation ahead of the game.
Anthony Gordon injured his quad.
What we know: The Newcastle winger has been in fantastic form in recent months, with goals, assists, and overall intensity. His absence against City would be a significant blow. However, Howe is optimistic that he will be able to return to the Etihad. “We hope Anthony is back in contention next weekend. We handle the cups in the same way as the Premier League; we will take anyone who is fit. Anthony was not feeling well today, thus he was absent due to a difficulty.”
Sven Botman suffered a knee injury.
What we know: The Dutch defender is being closely monitored after expressing soreness in his right knee following the Arsenal encounter, which resulted in his replacement late in the second half. Botman sat out over the weekend, but it is anticipated he will return to face Erling Haaland and co. The bonus is that his injury is to the other knee, where he had anterior cruciate ligament surgery. The coach explained: “We don’t believe it is serious but enough to keep him out of the Birmingham game.”
Potential return date: this weekend.
Dan Burn injured his groin.
What we know: In the second half at Birmingham, the huge defender communicated to the bench that he could no longer play. This season, the Geordie has become a virtual constant in the starting lineup. “We were forced to take Dan Burn off,” Howe stated following the cup tie. “It was something in his groin. Fingers crossed it isn’t too bad.”
Potential return date: unknown.
Harvey Barnes’ injury was to his thigh.
What we know: The winger sustained a thigh injury during the first half of the FA Cup match against Bromley. Eddie Howe stated, “Harvey will be absent for a length of time. We don’t think it’s a serious injury, but it’ll keep him out for a few weeks, maybe a month. That is an early assessment. His thigh muscle has been injured.
Potential return date: late February 2025.
Jamaal Lascelles suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.
What we know: The club captain is close to returning from his ACL injury suffered in March of last year. Given the severity of the injury, his rehabilitation has taken longer than Sven Botman’s, but he is now back in training as he attempts to increase his workload.
Potential return date: March 2025.
Joelinton injured his knee ligament.
What we know: The midfielder will be out for ‘weeks’ rather than months after hurting his knee against Fulham. Faces a race to be ready for the cup final on March 16.
Potential return date: March 2025.
Callum Wilson had a thigh injury.
What we know: Wilson played his first game of the season on Saturday, lasting little under an hour. It was a welcome sight after the striker suffered a thigh injury in December, after hamstring difficulties earlier in the season. Speaking after the cup win, he said: “I’ve worked hard to be in a position to start games again. I didn’t want to return too fast, so I was coming off the bench and attempting to regain my fitness.” Should be fine for Saturday again.
Jamal Lewis
Injury: ankle.
What we know: Lewis, the forgotten man at Newcastle, signed a surprise loan deal with Brazilian giants Sao Paolo at the start of the season. However, his time was cut short as he suffered an ankle injury, prompting the Brazil club to return him to Newcastle amid concerns that surgery would be required, ruling him out for the rest of season. Interestingly, Lewis then appeared on Newcastle’s 24-man roster of players submitted to the Premier League over the weekend for the second half of the 2024-25 season.
Potential return date: unknown.
