Newcastle hit by new suspension blow - Bad timing for Eddie Howe?

by Olly Hawkins · Published 18 December 2025, 13:28

Newcastle United defenders are dropping like flies.

Dan Burn is out for up to six weeks with a punctured lung and broken rib, Sven Botman's managing a back issue, Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier look set to be missing until the new year, and Tino Livramento limped off with a knee injury last night.

Although not injured, Fabian Schar is the latest Mag who will be missing in a few weeks time due to a Carabao Cup suspension rule.

After picking up a yellow card in our 2-0 win over Spurs in the last 16 and being cautioned against in last night's quarter-final win over Fulham, the Swiss centre-back will sit out our semi-final first leg clash with Man City next month.

The game, due to be played the week beginning 12th January, is still several weeks away, but it could be bad timing to lose yet another defender when Burn is unlikely to be back in time and Botman's comeback from a niggling back issue is not clear.

Schar also partnered Thiaw when we beat Man City and kept Erling Haaland quiet in our 2-1 home win over the title contenders last month, but we'll have to do it without the 33-year-old and hope Botman and/or Burn can recover in time!

Looking at the hectic schedule ahead and the number of injuries, we can't afford many more setbacks...