Dan Burn injury update - Worrying comments after Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle

It’s something that would have seemed unthinkable just months after the Carabao Cup final win and re-qualifying for the Champions League, but have things hit rock bottom for Eddie Howe?

Sunday’s defeat against Sunderland was an unfortunately humbling experience: one side wanted it more than the other and we never looked like scoring, see the manager issue an apology to fans after the game.

The stakes have got even higher for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham, but it looks like Dan Burn may the latest Mag facing a spell on the sidelines if Howe's Sunday night update is anything to go by...

Burn taken to hospital

Dan Burn was on the wrong side of a nasty blow from Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele, enduring a heavy challenge to the ribs in the first half.

After receiving treatment for a few minutes, it had looked like Burn would be able to continue, but after communicating with the dugout,  he was substituted for Fabian Schar right before half time.

Sky's Keith Downie revealed that Burn was taken to hospital via ambulance for further checks, while Howe told the media that he was in a "lot of pain" and "struggling to breathe" at half-time:

“It’s very unlike Dan to come off, he was obviously in a lot of pain. He’s gone to hospital for a check-up on his ribs.”

“He's gone to hospital. He was struggling to breathe at half-time, so I think he's had a bit of a problem.”

Looking ahead to our midweek game against Fulham in the Carabao Cup, Howe added:

“We’ve had so many games, and we have so many games to come that nothing’s decided on today.

"We’re really disappointed that we haven’t got more for our supporters and for all the obvious reasons, but we’ve got to bounce back on Wednesday.”

Injury list grows

Should Burn be ruled out with a rib injury for the midweek cup tie, it will be just the latest injury to impact Howe’s squad.

Sven Botman has been missing for a few weeks, and Nick Pope was absent once again on Sunday after failing to recover from a groin injury in time.

In terms of other defensive option, Howe hopes to have Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth back “towards the Christmas period”, while Will Osula's ankle issue remains a concern, with no clear update on when he'll be available again.

Bruno Guimaraes is fit, but his late booking against Sunderland puts him on four yellows for the season and one booking away from suspension.