Despite returning to form in recent weeks, it’s not all good news for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United, who have been dealt another injury blow in what is already a squad which lacks strength in depth.

Newcastle United has encountered another significant setback as they face yet another injury blow to their already depleted squad. Despite some recent positive results, including impressive wins over Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, Eddie Howe’s side is now grappling with an additional challenge that threatens to stretch their squad even further. The team had struggled early in the season but seemed to find their stride recently, with Alexander Isak’s return to form playing a key role in their improved performances. However, with Isak firing on all cylinders, the club now has to cope with the loss of Emil Krafth, one of their most versatile defenders, who has been ruled out for an extended period due to a broken collarbone sustained during the lead-up to their victory over Nottingham Forest. Krafth, who was due to represent Sweden in international duty, has been forced to withdraw from the national team, and reports suggest he could be sidelined until 2025.

This latest injury compounds an already difficult situation for Newcastle, who are already missing several key players. With Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, and Sven Botman all unavailable for selection, Howe’s defensive options have been severely limited. The club has been struggling with squad depth throughout the season, and Krafth’s injury highlights how thin they have been stretched, particularly in defense. Given their lack of strength in depth, this latest setback is a massive blow for a side already having to deal with a growing injury list.

Squad depth has been a long-standing issue for Newcastle, but it became even more apparent during the summer transfer window. Despite having an opportunity to reinforce their squad, particularly in defense, the club failed to secure a major signing. The Magpies had been linked with a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, but that transfer ultimately didn’t materialize, leaving Howe with limited options. Now, as the team contends with multiple injuries, that failure to strengthen during the summer is coming back to haunt them.

Krafth’s injury is especially significant because of his versatility. The Swedish international has played an important role for Howe, filling in at both right-back and center-back when needed. His ability to cover multiple positions has been invaluable during a season plagued by injuries to several key defenders. With Botman not expected back until the new year and other options like Jamaal Lascelles unavailable, Krafth’s absence further limits Howe’s ability to rotate his defense or cover for injuries. The loss of such a dependable player leaves the team with fewer options at the back and increases the pressure on the remaining defenders to step up.

Howe has frequently praised Krafth’s work ethic and professionalism. In an interview earlier in the season, he described the defender as “an unassuming, brilliant professional” who is “very hard-working and so dependable.” He also emphasized Krafth’s importance to the squad, noting his ability to play in multiple positions, which has been crucial in the absence of other defenders like Lascelles and Botman. “When you meet him, you see that solid character and also a very, very good player,” Howe said. “He can play multiple positions for us, and this year he’s been brilliant at centre-half and at full-back.” Losing a player with Krafth’s qualities, particularly in a season already marked by defensive fragility, is a blow that could have long-term consequences for the team.

With the injury crisis deepening, Howe will need to turn to his remaining defenders to fill the gaps. Players like Lloyd Kelly may be asked to step up in Krafth’s absence, and the manager will have to make the best of what’s available. Newcastle’s inability to address their squad depth in the summer transfer window has left them vulnerable, and Howe will need to be resourceful to navigate this challenging period. While the January transfer window presents a chance to strengthen, the failure to secure Guehi and other targets in the summer leaves the club in a precarious position.

Newcastle will need to dig deep and rely on their remaining players to maintain their momentum and cope with the growing number of injuries. Howe’s tactical acumen and ability to adapt to the changing circumstances will be crucial if they are to continue competing in the Premier League. The loss of Krafth and other key players places added pressure on Newcastle, but they will need to find a way to move forward and mitigate the impact of their growing injury list.