Eddie Howe will need to deal with full-back injuries – Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth – ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Sunderland.
The manager confirmed that both Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth will remain sidelined for the upcoming matches, ruling the pair out of Sunday’s Premier League derby against Sunderland.
Their continued absence has left Newcastle without their two senior right-backs, severely limiting depth across the defensive line.
Although Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have recently returned from injury, Howe’s concerns remain. Livramento is being asked to play every match despite only just completing a two-month recovery, while Hall’s availability has also been disrupted.
The young left-back was expected to start against Burnley last weekend, but illness forced him to withdraw, leading to Dan Burn starting in his place. Hall later featured in the second half of the 2-1 win at St James’ Park.
Newcastle now face a congested schedule that will test the resilience of Howe’s squad. The Magpies meet Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday, take on Sunderland in Sunday’s derby, and then face Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final in the following midweek.
“Tino’s okay, I think. He’s done really well,” said Howe.
“It’s tough for him because he’s straight back in and playing a lot of minutes, but we don’t have any other options in that position currently with Emil out and Kieran out, and they won’t be back any time soon, in a sense, the next few games anyway.
“We hope to get him back towards the Christmas period. It would be nice if we could because it would alleviate some of the burden on Tino, but he’s shouldering it really well, as is Lewis, and hopefully that can stay the case.”
On Hall, Howe added: “I think he’s (Hall) done really well. I think the only problem for Lew is late in games when he’s started to fatigue.
“I’d say in the first half of the Everton game, the Tottenham game, Manchester City the same he’s been outstanding.
“I think he can be really pleased, but we just have to navigate this period well because we want him to remain on the pitch… because we’ve got so many games and he’s so important.”
