Newcastle United are experiencing a defensive injury crisis amid a busy run of fixtures, fighting on four fronts.
Eddie Howe’s side head into the match with four recognised senior defenders fit and available to play in Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw, Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall.
Defenders Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Tino Livramento are sidelined for the crucial cup clash.
The situation has forced Howe to improvise with 19-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley playing at both right-back and centre-back in recent matches. Miley’s impressive displays have made him a viable defensive option for The Magpies and eased the stress on the depleted back line.
NUFC make January transfer U-turn amid injury crisis
Another player who is an option for Howe is 21-year-old Alex Murphy, who can play at both left-back and centre-back. Murphy came off the bench to help Newcastle reach the Carabao Cup semi-final with a 2-1 win over Fulham last month.
Murphy has played four competitive games for Newcastle since his arrival from Galway United in 2022, all as a substitute.
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He spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers in League One and was set to be made available to leave on loan again this January transfer window. But those plans changed due to Newcastle’s defensive injury situation.
Although Murphy has been limited to two substitute appearances this season, both in the Carabao Cup, he has been named on the bench on 19 occasions overall and has regularly trained with the first team squad.
But Howe’s perceived reluctance to turn to the defender amid an injury crisis has raised questions.
And now, The Magpies boss has responded.
Newcastle United assess defensive alternative
When asked if he would call upon Murphy, Howe responded: “I think Alex is working hard. He's worked really intensely on his game.
“We've tried to develop him, maybe not so much around games, although he has played quite a few [Under-21s] games this year.
“It's been more a case of developing him in training and making sure he's ready for his opportunity when it comes. I thought he did well against Fulham in the Carabao Cup and we'll definitely use him at the right time for us and for him.
“So I think he's an important player now. We have, as everyone knows, big injuries to our defensive back line, so any player can cover in that area. It's hugely important.”
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