‘Difficult injury’…Eddie Howe confirms 21-year-old Newcastle player hasn’t been very active recently

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Injuries have decimated Newcastle United’s season.

While the lengthy injury list Eddie Howe is having to contend with does not excuse those who have played of poor performances, it simply cannot be ignored.

Indeed, even Jurgen Klopp expressed some sympathy for Newcastle, such has been the extent of the crisis.

One of the players to have been suffering is Elliot Anderson.

The 21-year-old has not played since injuring his back against Crystal Palace in October, representing a hugely frustrating turn of events.

Tipped for a big season after some promising performances in pre-season, the youngster has had to watch on from the sidelines.

Now, Howe has provided an update.

Elliot Anderson: Eddie Howe addresses Newcastle star’s “difficult” injury

Speaking of the midfielder during Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Manchester City, Howe said (via The Chronicle): “It’s a difficult injury to manage.

“He’s not been very active. He’ll have another scan next week.”

Elliot Anderson injury: Season of setbacks for Newcastle star

Despite recently making a vow to return from his layoff as a better player, it doesn’t seem as if Anderson is close to a return to action.

Plenty was made about just how big a role he’d play this season but, through no fault of his own, Anderson has not been able to build on his promise.

In his absence, he has seen fellow academy graduate Lewis Miley absolutely star.

It’s been hugely frustrating for Anderson, who really needs to start delivering. Clearly he can do little about his injury but, at 21, he needs to start showing there’s more than just potential to his game.

Howe obviously rates him but there’s only so long we can wait before we start seeing genuine progress at the elite level.

Hopefully, Anderson can soon get back up to speed.