Newcastle United plan January window rethink as PIF make drastic move with job advert The Magpies have been plunged into a defensive crisi...
Newcastle United plan January window rethink as PIF make drastic move with job advert
The Magpies have been plunged into a defensive crisis with Eddie Howe forced to name a patched-up defence
As Chronicle Live reported yesterday, the club's main backers PIF are ready to back Howe with fresh funds to cover the squad for the second half of the campaign.
\With Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth all injured, Tino Livramento is back on the injured list while Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles are doubtful for the Chelsea game. Nick Pope and William Osula are also struggling with injury issues.\
The new job advert reads: "In this role, you will play a vital part in preventing, diagnosing, and rehabilitating injuries while delivering exceptional clinical care to our players.
"You will maintain accurate medical records and injury profiling systems, provide pitch‑side physiotherapy cover for training sessions and match days, and contribute to the development of evidence‑based treatment protocols.
"Working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, you will ensure that player health and performance are supported at every stage."
As Howe mulled over his defensive woes in real time, during his post-game Press conference, he admitted that a recall for Matt Targett was possible. Having thrown young Irish defender Alex Murphy a rare appearance, the Magpies may also have to cut short plans to send him on loan to the EFL.
And if the injury jinx continues, possible sales to the Saudi Pro League for Trippier and Schar may have to be curtailed. At the moment Schar is helping glue the defence together and as long as he avoids knocks himself will be a mainstay in the Magpies' XI.
Livramento hobbled off with his left leg strapped heavily after being subbed as Howe confessed it did not "look good". Hall did not even make the team sheet after a recurrence of a hamstring problem.
It means that money made available by PIF in January for player sales could now be spared for a new defender or two. Howe warned last night that Newcastle were heading for: "Dangerous territory".
Speaking on Livramento Howe had said: “It looks like a knee problem, which Tino's had issues with knee injuries before so he had to come off. He's such an honest, dependable lad, that sends worrying signs, really, for his participation maybe in the Chelsea game. Let's wait and see."
Then on Hall: “Lewis, we're more positive on. He couldn't play today because of tightness in his hamstring. But he has a chance for Chelsea.”
After Lewis Miley did a great job at right-back the youngster could get the call to go again when the Blues come to St James' Park on Saturday lunchtime. Alex Murphy stands by to star at left-back and Howe's centre-backs are picking themselves at the minute.
How have Newcastle managed to get back into this predicament?
