Eddie Howe now confirms £13m Newcastle player is facing months out

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Newcastle United continue to be dealt major injury blows.

Jacob Murphy was forced off during Newcastle’s tight win over Arsenal after only just returning from a shoulder injury sustained during the loss to Borussia Dortmund.

With a number of other big names missing, things aren’t looking great on the fitness front ahead of the Champions League trip to Germany on Tuesday.

Indeed, there has been another unwelcome development since the dramatic and controversial victory over the Gunners.

Dan Burn was forced off at half-time during that win and Eddie Howe confirmed after the game that the £13m defender was worried about his back injury.

Now, a bitter blow has emerged.

Newcastle team news: Dan Burn facing months out

Speaking at Monday’s press conference ahead of the must-win game in Germany, Howe confirmed Burn would be missing months of action.

“Dan Burn will be out for some time I think,” he said (via The Chronicle).

“Long-term problem, a couple of months is a speculative number. He landed on his spine. A huge blow.”

Newcastle injuries: Time for Tino Livramento

While Newcastle’s decision to strengthen both full-back positions over the course of the summer rather than focusing on more pressing areas has been questioned by some, it now looks a very wise move.

Summer signing Tino Livramento is certainly proving his worth, after all. The former Southampton defender has starred against both Manchester City and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and looked solid enough against Arsenal.

Though Lewis Hall is an option at left-back with Matt Targett also injured, Livramento beats the former for experience.

With that in mind, moving Kieran Trippier to left-back and deploying Livramento at right-back looks the most realistic option for Howe.

It is hardly ideal given how well Trippier has been playing this season but at least there is a solution.