Injury problems have been a major theme at Newcastle United this season.
Though the club worked hard to strengthen their squad while working under FFP constraints over the course of the summer window, Newcastle are still without some key players.
Alexander Isak and Sven Botman are perhaps the headline examples of that, along with Sandro Tonali – albeit for very different reasons.
Still, there are some valuable but perhaps less mentioned members of the squad that Eddie Howe is unable to call on.
Harvey Barnes and Elliot Anderson are not available, while Jacob Murphy is another.
Excellent against Crystal Palace last month, the £12m winger suffered a shoulder injury in the loss to Borussia Dortmund.
Howe then admitted he was worried Murphy would require surgery and has now provided an update.
Newcastle injury news: Jacob Murphy latest
Indeed, speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with Arsenal, Howe confirmed the club were doing all they can to stop Murphy having surgery on his shoulder, which would surely rule him out of action even longer.
“With Jacob Murphy’s shoulder, we’re doing everything we can to avoid an operation,” he said (via Sky Sports at 10.18 on 03/11/2023.)
Jacob Murphy: Newcastle need their winger
Murphy might not be the most star-studded of names but is a key part of this squad.
Trusted enough to start away at AC Milan in the Champions League, its clear that Howe rates him. Not only is he dependable, he’s also capable of brilliance, as his performance against Palace proved.
Also someone who can cover for Miguel Almiron on the right-wing, it would be a major blow to have him ruled out any longer than he has to be. To have worked this hard to make something of his Newcastle career, it would be a cruel turn of events.
Fingers crossed no surgery will be required.
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