Newcastle United are thin on the ground when it comes to back-up for Lewis Hall
Nathan Ake of Manchester City claps the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and City
Manchester City's Nathan Ake
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The sight of Lewis Hall sat on the Turf Moor grass shaking his head after receiving another blow on his already tender ankle was another to send shivers down the spine of any Newcastle United fan.
With Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth already out, United had been forced to play Lewis Miley at right-back for the last few games, so losing another full-back would have been a huge blow.
Thankfully, Hall recovered to complete the 90 minutes, and is expected to have shaken off any affects before Crystal Palace come to Tyneside this weekend.
But it does highlight the question of what United would do should Hall have been forced off. Dan Burn, outstanding at centre-back, has been asked to play left-back again this term, but is currently out with a rib injury, and is increasingly uncomfortable in that role.
Do United target a left-back in the January transfer window? It's a difficult ask when Hall is clearly the first choice, so perhaps a shorter-term solution would suit?
Either way, with Trippier's long-term future uncertain, United will need to address the situation soon. Here are some options for Howe and Co this month.
Nathan Ake loan
The Manchester City defender is said to be unhappy with his gametime at the Etihad and looking for a new challenge. Although largely a centre-back, the Dutchman can play at left-back and knows Eddie Howe well from their days at Bournemouth.
Ake is now 30, but could be open to a loan deal as he tries to ensures he stays in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup. He is said to have turned down interest from West Ham.
While a loan move would still have costs involved, it would be a cheaper, if short-term solution.
Honest Ahanor move
Newcastle and Bayern Munich have been linked with Atalanta defender Ahanor, with the Nigerian impressing in Serie A. Another who plays primarily at centre-back, he can also play down the left flank.
Aged just 17, it would be a big gamble to pay the £25m pricetag that could be needed to bring him from Italy, but he would be very much one for the future. He already has plenty of experience with four Champions League appearances
Matt Targett recall
United do have another left-back on their books, although recalling Matt Targett from his loan at Middlesbrough to make him sit on the bench in case of injuries, feels harsh.
The former Aston Villa defender has been a valuable servant to United, and is now enjoying his time in the Championship with Boro.
Little has changed from the summer, when he was allowed to leave, and although he can be recalled this month, United would prefer to allow him to continue on Teesside.
Alex Murphy chance
Youngster Murphy was ready to come on should Hall have been forced off at Burnley, and has already stepped up this season. He played his part in seeing out the 2-1 win over Fulham in the Carabao Cup in December and Howe has faith in the 21-year-old if called upon again.
However, like so many others, he is a more natural centre-back and would have to adapt to playing full-back.
Other youth options include switching Leo Shahar to left-back or a call-up for the rarely-seen Harrison Ashby.