Eddie Howe reveals undroppable Newcastle star forced to see ‘specialists’ over injury concern

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Eddie Howe will be sweating on a few Newcastle United players ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Liverpool.

Newcastle United face Premier League leaders Liverpool at St James’ Park and pressure is building on Eddie Howe.

All momentum from before the November international break has been halted with a defeat to West Ham and a toothless performance against Crystal Palace in the 1-1 draw.

The biggest concern for fans is the lack of goals. Newcastle United have only scored 14 goals in 13 Premier League matches this season which ranks them in the bottom five.

To make matters worse, Alexander Isak has not resumed training since coming off injured against Palace. Further back the pitch, Newcastle also have issues in defence.

Dan Burn fighting through injury at Newcastle United

Dan Burn has played every available minute in Newcastle’s Premier League campaign this season with his only break coming against West Ham when he was suspended for reaching five yellow cards.

With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles nursing long-term injuries and Emil Krafth also injured with a broken collarbone, Howe has had to rely on Burn at the back.

Burn has been undroppable for Newcastle this season alongside a handful of teammates but Howe has now revealed that Burn has been fighting through ankle pain to stay available.

Ahead of the Liverpool clash, Howe told reporters: “Dan got through the game really well, I have to say.

“When he got suspended, we used that as a chance to try and rest his ankle and get it 100%. He had a mixed time in that period where he didn’t play, as in, it didn’t feel right. He’s been to see a couple of specialists, really minimum training time.

“I thought he was outstanding with all things considered at Crystal Palace.”

Return dates for Newcastle United’s injured stars

Despite his ankle pain and having to see specialists over his concerns, Burn should be available for Newcastle against Liverpool.

As for Isak, it seems his inclusion in the squad will go down to the wire. He told reporters he feels okay but with no training this week it is up to Howe whether or not he will be involved.

The other three injuries Newcastle have are all in defence. Botman is back in training and should return in early 2025. There is a chance that he could be in a matchday squad this month, but Newcastle will not want to rush his return.

Lascelles is a little further back in his recovery, with Premier Injuries estimating a return in February.

Krafth should also be back in early 2025 provided his recovery from a broken collar bone goes smoothly.