Eddie Howe has an ‘emergency’ Lewis Hall plan that will shock Newcastle United supporters
Newcastle United have suddenly been plagued with injury problems.
If there was a worst possible time for Newcastle United to enter an injury crisis, it would be now. Eddie Howe’s side are missing key players after picking up problems in recent games.
Newcastle are still without Harvey Barnes after he picked up a muscle strain in the Magpies 3-1 FA Cup win against Bromley in January.
Joelinton came off injured against Fulham and was then seen wearing a knee brace. Howe confirmed he will miss weeks of action with the issue.
Sven Botman suffered another injury blow in the win against Arsenal. Botman missed the Birmingham win on Saturday and is a doubt for the trip to Manchester City on the weekend alongside Anthony Gordon.
Elsewhere, Dan Burn hurt his groin against Birmingham. Howe confirmed his change was not tactical, and he would be assessed in the coming days.
With the Magpies’ injury problems suddenly growing Chris Waugh has provided a list of players who can play out of position if need be.
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Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Joelinton of Newcastle United celebrates 2nd goal during the Premier League matc…
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Newcastle’s surprise Lewis Hall plan
In testing times, Newcastle needs more versatility. Howe’s players endured a severe injury crisis last season which saw a full starting XI of players out injured. Until recent weeks, it had been a completely different story and Howe had most of his stronger players.
According to Waugh of the Athletic, five players can play away from their natural positions if need be.
Although he has barely featured for Newcastle this season, Matt Targett’s quality with the ball at his feet makes him an option in midfield.
£28m signing Lewis Hall is also seen as an ’emergency’ midfielder if necessary. Hall played in midfield and at left-back during the win against Arsenal at St James’ Park and was utilised in the middle of the park throughout his youth career before moving into the defence.
Tino Livramento can be deployed as a right-winger – Howe is short of options in that position after Miguel Almiron left for Atlanta United.
Centre-back Fabian Schar has also been considered as a defensive midfielder when Newcastle have been short of options but that move looks unlikely due to the club’s lack of right-sided defenders.
Elsewhere, Gordon can play anywhere across the front three and even as a central midfielder. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fine run of form as a left-winger this season.
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Newcastle’s impressive injury record
While injuries are beginning to pile up this season, it has been night and day in comparison to their troubles from the last campaign.
New performance director James Bunce can take a lot of credit for the work he has been doing to ensure Howe has the fittest possible squad available to him.
Howe praised Bunce for ensuring his players remain fit and that injuries are dealt with in the best way possible.
The same Athletic report states that as of January 2025, Newcastle have lost the second-fewest days to injury in the Premier League this season. The Magpies 373 days can only be bettered by West Ham’s 280.
Last season, Newcastle’s problems were so bad that they were either towards the top or at the top for most of the campaign. Waugh even stated that at one point, Newcastle’s injury troubles were 50% above the league’s average.
