Newcastle United has been dealt a significant blow as their defender, Dan Burn, is set to be sidelined for an extended period due to a spinal injury. Manager Eddie Howe delivered the unfortunate news ahead of the crucial Champions’ League Group F clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old Burn sustained the injury during Saturday’s Premier League match against Arsenal when he landed on his back while attempting a header. Regrettably, he was unable to return for the second half, signaling the severity of the injury.
Manager Howe addressed the media during a news conference on Monday, saying, “Dan Burn will be out for some time. This is a long-term problem, and it’s difficult to specify an exact recovery timeline. He landed on his spine, which is a huge blow for us.”
Burn’s absence presents a multifaceted challenge for Newcastle United. Not only are they losing a key defender, but they are also deprived of his versatility, as he was capable of playing in both central and left-back positions.
In their previous encounter a fortnight ago, Borussia Dortmund secured a 1-0 victory at St James’ Park, putting them level on points with Newcastle in the second position of Group F, each with four points. Paris St Germain currently leads the group with six points.
Despite being hampered by injuries to several key players, including Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, and Jacob Murphy, Howe’s team is determined to secure a win at Signal Iduna Park. Both teams are vying for a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Howe emphasized his team’s unwavering commitment to winning, stating, “Every game is a must-win for us. We prepare with a winning mindset, and that remains our sole focus.”