Eddie Howe hit by six Newcastle injury blows after ‘huge’ news confirmed
Eddie Howe has endured a frustrating season so far at Newcastle and his problems look like getting worse amid injury concerns over six key players.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that fitness issues are largely to blame for the Magpies’ dismal start to the season.
Newcastle beat Fulham 2-1 to progress into the Carabao Cup semi-final last time out, but the occasion was marred by Tino Livramento suffering yet another blow.
The 23-year-old has suffered multiple injuries already this season, and Howe has since confirmed Livramento’s latest injury is “worrying”.
Meanwhile, the likes of Yoane Wissa, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier have all suffered with fitness issues, leading to inconsistencies on the pitch.
Tino Livramento injury deals new Eddie Howe blow
Football Insider revealed in October that Newcastle are struggling due to behind-the-scenes chaos which emerged during the summer transfer window.
However, Brown, who has a wealth of experience working alongside elite-level managers including Sir Alex Ferguson for over a decade at Man United, insisted Howe’s concerns have only been worsened by their growing list of injuries.
“There have been a lot of issues at Newcastle this season,” he told Football Insider.
“Their away form has been atrocious compared to their home form, so questions have to be asked about the reasons behind that.
“Injuries have been the real issue, they’ve had some major concerns about some key positions, and big, big players missing large spells of the season.
“Wissa has only just come into the side playing his first few games and is still getting up to speed and figuring out where he fits in their plans.
“Someone like Livramento as well, who has missed big spells, is so important to the way they play.
“Then there’s players like Hall, Botman, Burn, who have all missed out as well so it’s causing real dilemmas for Howe and preventing them putting any consistency together.
“I think of all the issues you could look into about why things maybe aren’t going the way they had hoped, that’s got to have the biggest impact.”
Anthony Elanga causing new concerns for Newcastle
While injuries continue to impact the Magpies’ plans, they are still facing issues with their available crop, as Newcastle have been frustrated by Anthony Elanga.
In 23 appearances so far this season, the 23-year-old has failed to score a single goal and registered just two assists, leading to concerns about they money spent to land him.
Newcastle fans savaged Elanga following their defeat to Sunderland after what was another disastrous display from the winger as he failed to make an impact.
The Tyne-Wear derby led to emotional reactions from the travelling supporters, but Elanga‘s displays have failed to live up to the club’s expectations as well as the fans’.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Howe is worried about Elanga’s performances, and those concerns have not been eased by his recent form.
For more Newcastle United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.