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Eddie Howe says Newcastle have another injury problem after Anthony Gordon last night
The phrase ‘can’t catch a break’ is often thrown around, but it’s very applicable to Newcastle United and Eddie Howe’s injury situation right now.
Following a disappointing late defeat on penalties away to Chelsea last night, it now seems as if Newcastle have another issue to contend with.
Eddie Howe’s small squad has been struggling to cope with the amount of games their success has earned this season, with a lot of bad luck not helping either.
And following last night’s disappointment, Howe spoke to the to summarise the defeat and gave an update on injuries.
Moreover, whilst Sven Botman’s substitution was planned, Howe confirmed that Newcastle’s Emil Krafth came off with an injury.
Howe said: “Yeah so, he [Kraft] had a knock. Sven’s substitution at half-time was planned, we wanted to manage his comeback carefully, so 45 minutes for him.”
So whilst it’s good news regarding Botman’s fitness, Newcastle may now have lost another crucial body.
Kieran Trippier’s bad run of form could easily be attributed to his mental and physical fatigue, performances not typical of the England international.
And therefore Krafth’s return had been timely, a player who could lessen the burden on 33-year-old Trippier.
Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle’s Emil Krafth picked up an injury against Chelsea
Such is the unrelenting nature of the fixture list during this period, Newcastle now have two more games to contend with in the next six days.
A trip to Luton Town is on the horizon on Saturday, before Howe’s side then host Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day – who could be enjoying a ‘new manager bounce’ by that point.
Either way, it’s going to be a vital period for Howe’s Newcastle team, who simply won’t believe their luck with injuries.
The January transfer window will perhaps be a big opportunity for the club, depending on how much they are able to spend.
Many clubs are very aware of their Financial Fair Play restrictions heading into the window, and it remains to be seen how busy Newcastle will be.
That being said, it does seem as if Newcastle have already been dealt one blow ahead of January with one midfielder now preferring a move elsewhere.