Bruno Guimaraes (c) celebrates his winning goal with Will Osula (l) and Anthony Elanga and the Newcastle fans during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Fulham at St James' Park on October 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Bruno Guimaraes (c) celebrates his winning goal with Will Osula (l) and Anthony Elanga and the Newcastle fans during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Fulham at St James' Park on October 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United could be without as many as nine senior players for the Premier League clash against Chelsea on Thursday.
The Magpies’ squad has taken a hit in recent weeks, particularly in defence, after ending the 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Fulham on Wednesday evening with just two senior defenders on the pitch.
Eddie Howe has been without Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth since the November international break due to a hamstring and knee injury, respectively, while Sven Botman hasn’t played in nearly a month due to a back problem.
And worryingly, United’s defensive injury count has already doubled this week after Dan Burn suffered a fractured rib and punctured lung in last Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland. Lewis Hall missed the Fulham then sat out of the Fulham game with a hamstring issue before Livramento suffered a knee injury in the second half.
Newcastle United injury crisis in defence
Heading into the Premier League clash at home to Chelsea on Saturday, there’s a chance Hall and Jamaal Lascelles could be involved in the squad, however Trippier and Krafth aren’t expected back until in and around the New Year, and Burn is out for four to six weeks, while there is still uncertainity over when Botman and Livramento could be back.
Howe said: “The back line's an issue for us. We don't have many injuries but we have a concentrated group of players that are out who all play the same position and whenever you get that you're stretched. So our back line is looking vulnerable.
“With Sven, we're not entirely sure when he'll return. He's made good progress but I don't think he's ready to play yet. And then we've got Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier still out Their target date will sort of be around the new year we think.
“The importance of Dan and losing him just for everything that he brings to the team, that was a big blow for us. I think he's been excellent in recent weeks
“It's a rib problem with some issue with his lungs. So we wish him well. It will be probably around four to six weeks.”
Hall’s issue is minor, putting him in contention to be available this weekend but Livramento won’t make it as United continue to assess his knee.
Howe said after the Fulham win: “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.
“Lewis, we're more positive on. He couldn't play today because of tightness in his hamstring. But he has a chance for Chelsea.”
Newcastle United striker ruled out until 2026
Newcastle’s other two injuries are in goal and at striker.
Nick Pope is understood to be nearing a comeback and could be involved on Saturday after six games out with a groin problem, but Will Osula will be sidelined for a little while longer.
Osula had been nursing an ankle injury before being forced to withdraw from the matchday squad for the Champions League victory over Athletic Club on November 5. He hasn’t been seen since.
“No, unfortunately, Will's not sort of imminent in his return,” Howe said on Wednesday. “We've got a lot of players that are close to returning in around New Year. That's not quick enough for us at the moment.”
The Daily Mail has since provided more information on Osula and claim the 22-year-old should be available by the second week of January.
Howe used Osula to support £69million club-record signing Nick Woltemade in the opening few months of the campaign, though he is absent hasn’t been as felt following the return of £55m summer signing Yoane Wissa to fitness.
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