Eddie Howe explains why £4.5m Newcastle player is missing, he hasn’t played all season

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Newcastle United have so many injuries right now, and Eddie Howe has confirmed another ahead of the Magpies’ Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United.

Eddie Howe‘s side are the walking wounded as they head to Old Trafford, with some major players set to miss the cup contest.

There is bad news on Sven Botman, who had been closing in on a comeback. Howe has now confirmed that he does not know when the defender will return.

Newcastle also have Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy and Elliot Anderson out injured, as well a long term casualty Harvey Barnes. On top of that, Sandro Tonali is suspended until August 2024 for betting.

Howe’s squad is down to the bare bones, and even his fringe players are suffering. And that is why Javi Manquillo has not been spotted as of late.

Eddie Howe explains Javi Manquillo absence

Ahead of the game against Manchester United, Howe spoke to the media. He explained why Manquillo is currently unavailable for selection.

“He has got a groin problem,” he said.

Manquillo joins Newcastle injury list, but Howe has enough cover

It is a blow to have another player out injured. However, in truth, it is unlikely that Manquillo would have played anyway.

Newcastle have plenty of cover at right-back, nor do they have any injury concerns in that position.

Kieran Trippier has started every game bar one this season and has been spectacular, while Tino Livramento has provided backup. Eddie Howe also has Emil Krafth now, who is back fit after more than a year out with a knee injury.

So even if Manquillo was fit, it would be difficult to envision him playing. The £4.5million defender has not played a single minute all season, and has only been named as a substitute on two occasions.

It would not be a surprise if he is linked with a move away from the club when the January transfer window opens, especially with his contract due to expire next summer. If he doesn’t leave in January, he will almost certainly depart St James’ Park at the end of the season.