Newcastle United’s efforts to shore up their defence during the January transfer window have suffered another setback.
Eddie Howe’s side are currently grappling with a defensive injury crisis, with multiple first-team regulars unavailable in the same area of the pitch. Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento have all missed the festive schedule, while Lewis Hall is being carefully assessed after picking up a couple of knocks in recent outings.
The situation has forced Newcastle into short-term solutions. Nineteen-year-old Lewis Miley has been deployed at right-back, while a potential loan recall for Matt Targett from Middlesbrough has been discussed. However, Targett’s own injury problems, coupled with the expectation that Newcastle’s senior defenders will return over the coming weeks, make it increasingly likely that he will remain on Teesside as he approaches free agency in the summer.
Despite hopes of relief on the injury front, the recent problems have underlined a clear need for reinforcement in the full-back positions. Both Trippier and Krafth are currently set to be out of contract at the end of the season, while Livramento’s long-term future at St James’ Park remains uncertain amid reported interest from Manchester City.
Newcastle are keen to secure Livramento’s services and have already opened discussions over a new long-term contract. At the same time, the club are exploring options abroad as they look to future-proof their squad and avoid similar defensive issues going forward.
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