Newcastle United Faces Squad Crisis: Injury Woes and Bans Prompt Free-Agent Consideration

Newcastle United faces a challenging final stretch of the season with significant squad depletions. Callum Wilson is sidelined until the season’s end after chest surgery while Joelinton may not play again this season due to an extended absence. Midfielder Sandro Tonali is banned until August prompting Newcastle to exclude him from the 25 mans squad for the second half of the season.

The departures of Javier Manquillo and Tonali’s ban leave two vacant spots in the squad. Despite Newcastle’s quiet winter transfer window the club has the option to sign free agents to fill the available spots until March 28 as per Premier League rules.

Manager Eddie Howe humorously expressed openness to free agents signings. Potential options include former Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle ex-Bournemouth forward Lys Mousset and former Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi. However, Newcastle hopes to address ongoing injury issues without delving into the free agents market.