Newcastle United defender Dan Burn is facing a significant spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious injury during Sunday's fierce Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.
Hospital Stay After Heavy Collision
The 33-year-old England international was forced to spend Sunday night in hospital following a heavy first-half collision with Sunderland's Nordi Mukiele at the Stadium of Light. Burn was transported from the ground by ambulance for urgent assessment.
Despite initially trying to continue playing, the defender could not carry on. Subsequent reports from outlets including the Daily Mail and Sky Sports have revealed the extent of the damage: a fractured rib and a damaged lung.
Howe's Defensive Crisis Deepens
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is set to provide a formal update on Tuesday, ahead of his side's Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Fulham. However, the loss of Burn exacerbates a severe defensive injury crisis at St. James' Park.
Howe is now contending with just four fit senior defenders. The club's injury list already includes key players Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, and Emil Krafth, as well as first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope.
"Unfortunate for us, we're losing players in one area of the pitch and our back line is stretched," a concerned Howe admitted after his team's 1-0 defeat. "We've got a number of absentees and so to lose another one in the colossal presence that Dan is, was a big one today."
A Major Blow for Player and Club
Howe initially suspected a rib issue but confirmed Burn had been taken to hospital for scans. The manager highlighted the importance of the defender, who has been an ever-present figure in the side this season.
"I don't know quite how serious it is. It looks like a rib problem," Howe said post-match. "He's gone to hospital to get them checked. But that was a big blow for us because Dan's been an ever-present player."
The nature of the injuries suggests a lengthy recovery period, leaving a substantial hole in Newcastle's defence as they continue their defence of the Carabao Cup and battle in the Premier League.
