Newcastle United have a centre-back problem ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
The Magpies are in the final four of the Carabao Cup, and will play against Arsenal over two legs for a place in the final at Wembley.
It looks like Bukayo Saka could miss the first leg due to a hamstring injury, while Newcastle United have issues of their own.
Eddie Howe’s problem comes in defence, with Fabian Schar set to miss the first leg due to suspension after picking up a yellow card in Newcastle’s win over Brentford in the quarter final.
That will force the Magpies into a change at the back, but it will be too soon for Sven Botman to start as he continues to regain match fitness after his ACL injury.
Eddie Howe shares Emil Krafth injury update
Emil Krafth of Newcastle speaks with head coach Eddie Howe after leaving the field after being substituted, he had earlier come on as a substitute ...
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Elsewhere, Emil Krafth is also out injured. He broke his collar bone at the beginning of November, with Krafth ruled out until January 2025 after undergoing an operation.
The early diagnosis suggested that he would not be fit for the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, which is due to take place during the week beginning January 6th.
However, a fresh update from Eddie Howe on Emil Krafth suggests he might be fit enough to return by then. However, the Newcastle United manager was unable to confirm when exactly he will be available again.
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“Emil is working well,” he said.
“It was a serious enough injury. He’s had an operation. He’s now back on grass and running.
“The big thing for him will be contact and when we introduce him back to the type of training that will test the injury the most.
“But the good news is he is fit, running and looking good.”
Newcastle need Emil Krafth fit to face Arsenal in January
While Howe has not confirmed that Krafth will be fit enough to play against Arsenal in early January, it feels like there is at least a chance he could be available.
That is a major boost, as the 30-year-old has been Fabian Schar’s only understudy at right centre-back this season due to Jamaal Lascelles’ injury.
If Krafth is unavailable for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, Howe will probably have to turn to Lloyd Kelly. That would mean two left-footed centre-backs playing together, which could be an issue in what is a massive game for the club.
But with Krafth now back on the grass and running after his injury, the hope will be that he can build his strength and fitness up enough over the next two weeks to be passed fit to start against Arsenal.
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