Newcastle United are preparing to begin a new Premier League era this afternoon as Matthias Jaissle takes charge of his first competitive game as head coach, with Liverpool providing the opposition at St James’ Park.
There is already plenty of intrigue surrounding the fixture, with Newcastle undergoing significant changes during the summer and Jaissle facing the difficult task of immediately moulding a new-look squad into his style of play.
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The Magpies will be hoping to make the perfect start in front of their home supporters, but they have now been hit by a major setback just hours before kick-off.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle are expected to be without newly-appointed captain Dan Burn at the beginning of the season after the England international rolled his ankle during training.
The timing of the injury will come as a particularly frustrating blow for Jaissle, who had selected Burn to lead the club into a new era following Bruno Guimaraes’ departure.
The defender was handed the captaincy earlier this month and had been identified as an important source of experience and leadership within a squad that has undergone significant change.
Burn’s absence also leaves Newcastle short of senior leadership as Jaissle prepares for his first-ever Premier League campaign.
The German coach has already acknowledged that his squad is still adapting to his methods, with several new players brought in during a summer of major transition.
The 34-year-old has become an important figure at St James’ Park since joining Newcastle in 2022, establishing himself as a dependable presence in defence and a popular figure among supporters.
His injury means Jaissle must now make adjustments before Newcastle face Liverpool, with the visitors also entering the campaign under a new head coach in Andoni Iraola.
Kick-off at St James’ Park is scheduled for 4:30pm, with Newcastle hoping to overcome the late setback and begin the new campaign with three points.