Newcastle United have suffered a frustrating blow ahead of their trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Eddie Howe confirming that Elliot Anderson is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Toon boss revealed after the Borussia Dortmund game on Wednesday that Anderson had picked up a back injury, stating that he would be out of action for a few weeks.
However, Eddie Howe has now stated that the Magpies will actually be without Anderson for as many as eight weeks. He has suffered a stress fracture in his back, which means he will not play again until December.
It is such a shame to lose Anderson, and it comes at a terrible time for Newcastle. Howe is already set to lose one midfielder, with Sandro Tonali due to be banned for 10 months for betting.
With Tonali set to be suspended, it looked like Anderson was going to be playing even more football after a strong start to the season. He has been enjoying a breakthrough year, but now he has been struck down by injury.
Elliot Anderson left gutted after injury blow
Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Wolves, Howe has spoke to the media. He addressed Anderson’s injury and admitted that the 20-year-old is extremely ‘frustrated’ following this setback.
“Elliot’s hugely frustrated,” he said.
“We’re hugely frustrated because it was a key moment for him in his career. This was sort of his breakthrough season, in the sense to get more starts.
“He was doing that. He was well on his way to establishing himself as a really important first-team player.
“Hugely disappointed for him and for us, because his versatility was important. He could play different roles. But we have to accept the situation and try to get him back to his best.”
Terrible timing for Newcastle and Anderson
It is no surprise that Anderson is so disappointed. He has been really impressive this season, and becoming a much more reliable player for Howe.
That has resulted in the youngster being trusted to play more minutes, starting four games and appearing in every single Premier League fixture so far.
But that run will come to an end this weekend, and it won’t be until the end of the year that we see Anderson in a black and white shirt again.
It is such a shame for him, and it is also a blow for Newcastle, who are now very light on midfield options. Fortunately, Joe Willock is finally back from injury which will ease some concern.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
