Given the relatively early stage Newcastle are at in the PIF era, it’s fair to say the squad is not quite where many supporters would like it to be.
Now, that is not a criticism of the club’s recruitment, more a reflection on where the squad is at the moment. After only three transfer windows under the looming threat of FFP, it was always going to be close to impossible to complete revamp the squad so quickly.
Still, there are some key areas in which Eddie Howe is particularly short.
The exit of Jonjo Shelvey in January left options light in the middle of the park, while there is another position lacking available bodies.
Newcastle’s problem at right back
While Kieran Trippier is arguably Howe’s most important player and will likely start every game for which he is available, the right-back department is a little light.
Emil Krafth’s long-term injury worsened the matter, forcing Newcastle into January transfer action and the signing of young Harrison Ashby from West Ham.
Though clearly one for the future anyway, the 22-year-old has not yet been able to make his debut in black and white.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference (via the Shields Gazette), Howe revealed why.
“Harrison’s picked up very small hamstring problem. So he hasn’t trained with the group for a few weeks,” he said.
Reliance on Trippier remains
Though Ashby was hardly going to overtake Trippier in the pecking order, the fact the England international is lacking cover is a worry.
Any injury to him would be a major blow, while the fact he’s had to play almost every minute of every game this season is far from ideal. Not having assisted a goal since Boxing Day, perhaps he could do with a rest.
The options, however, make that almost impossible.
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