The injury crisis just does not stop for Newcastle United.
While it was fantastic to see a heavily rotated Newcastle side thrash Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, few would doubt Eddie Howe is missing some key players.
Alexander Isak and Sven Botman are prime examples of that, while the likes of Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Elliot Anderson could have been valuable squad players if available.
Then there’s Sandro Tonali of course. Newcastle’s biggest signing of the summer will not be seen again for ten months.
So it was hardly ideal to see Matt Targett go down injured at Old Trafford. The £15m defender lasted only a few minutes in Manchester before coming off for Miguel Almiron, who duly scored the opener.
Now, Howe has given an update.
Newcastle injury news: Matt Targett latest
Speaking after the game, Howe confirmed Targett’s situation was not looking good.
“He is struggling to walk now,” he said (via Lee Ryder).
“So it is not looking good.”
Matt Targett: Big blow for Newcastle
The fact Targett was brought on for Dan Burn as Newcastle were chasing the game against Borussia Dortmund shows he features reasonably prominently in Howe’s thoughts despite his lack of starts.
With that in mind, not having him available just as the games pile up is a major blow.
Though Lewis Hall is another option at left-back, Targett is far more experienced if Howe is looking for an alternative to Burn.
Clearly a player Howe rates, it’s an unfortunate blow during what could have been a pivotal moment in the player’s Newcastle career.
The injury problems are mounting at the worst possible time, particularly with extra pressure placed on the Champions League away trips following the home loss to Dortmund.
Targett becoming the latest blow is far from ideal at this time.
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