Early team news from Newcastle - 8 ruled out of trip to Burnley?

Similarities have started to be drawn between our 2023/24 campaign and our ongoing season, and it’s fair to say that they’re similarities that Eddie Howe and the squad could have done without.

We’re currently enduring another torrid injury crisis across the team, with big names like Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Dan Burn each out for some of the biggest games of the campaign.

It’s a testament to the quality of our squad that we can depend on amazing players like Malick Thiaw and Lewis Miley to fill the gaps, but with how many games we’re playing, minutes need to be managed.

And Howe has now openly vented his frustrations over the ongoing selection headache, and has given a subtle hint as to who we can expect to see in our next league game against Burnley…

Injury boost unlikely at Burnley

Speaking ahead of the trip to Turf Moor, Howe broke the bad news that we’re unlikely to see any players return from injury in time for the game against Scott Parker’s side.

Livramento, Botman, Burn, as well as Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are all set to miss out, meaning we’ll surely see the same back four from the Man Utd game called upon once again as our only senior defensive options.

Howe’s update also suggests Anthony Elanga won’t be back in time, with Will Osula and Jamaal Lascelles set to be absent again:

“I don’t think we’ll have anyone back. We’re not 100% sure.

”We’ve got a whole group of players that are getting closer, but obviously not as quick as I would like them.”

We know for a fact Burn will be out until at least mid January at the earliest, whilst Trippier and Krafth were meant to be fit for the festive period but have suffered setbacks.

Osula’s ankle issue is also becoming a bit of a mystery, although some wonder if his absence is also linked to a potential January exit as Frankfurt talks continue to rumble on.

Botman and Livramento still have question marks over their long term availability, with the Dutchman recently having injections on his back and Tino managing his second knee issue of the season.

Is now the time for the youngsters to shine?

We saw Howe pack his bench with some fresh faces straight from the academy on Boxing Day: Sean Neave and Leo Shahar have made previous appearances on the bench, but still await their first senior minutes.

The surprise inclusion was Sam Alabi, who has attracted widespread acclaim for his performances in both our youth set up as well as the Young England age groups.

With how tired and out of ideas we looked at times at Old Trafford, could Howe soon be forced to try something he hasn’t done before, and entrust any of the trio of Neave, Shahar and Alabi to come on and change the game?

Calling upon and instilling faith in youngsters is the hallmark of all the great Premier League managers like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. Howe has already seen Miley become a minor success story this season, now’s the time to pad out his squad depth and see if he can do it again.