The Magpies suffered a number of key injuries against the Red Devils and might have to reshape their transfer policy after both Wilson and Saint-Maximin limp off with calf issues.

Ryan Fraser also joins the growing list of players on the sideline after he suffered a hamstring problem as Newcastle were unfortunate not to win.

Following the postponement of the Everton game on Thursday night, Newcastle head into the New Year in 19th position, having won just once in the first half of the campaign. 

Howe’s side will be pleased with their efforts in the draw with Man Utd last time out but the Newcastle manager will be worried about the extent of the injuries sustained at St James’ Park on Monday evening. 

Callum Wilson’s calf injury seems to be the most serious. The striker may face “weeks to months” out after he limped off at half time with his side leading 1-0. Allan Saint-Maximin’s night also came to a premature end as the French Winger was unable to continue after he went down clutching his calf – Howe seems to think this is less serious. 

Ryan Fraser, who had his best game in a black and white shirt, is reported to have a hamstring issue and could also miss the next couple of games. 

The trio join defenders Jamal Lewis, Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummet on the sidelines and add to the lengthy injury list at the club. 

CRUCIAL TRANSFER WINDOW

Following the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle in October, the Magpies are expected to bring major reinforcements to the club during the fast-approaching January transfer window in what promises to be the most important window in the clubs history.

The defensive deficiencies are there for all to see as Howe is expected to bring in a number of players at the back to help bolster Newcastle’s chances of Premier League survival.

Defensively, Howe’s side have been linked with a growing number of players and names like James Tarkowski and Kieran Trippier would be welcomed to SJP with open arms. The Magpies have the second-worst defensive record in the division having shipped 42 goals in their opening 19 games.

However, with the recent injuries sustained by attacking players, the Newcastle manager may have to rethink his transfer policy slightly in the coming weeks.

The loss of Wilson for what could be months, could hugely damage the clubs chances of retaining its Premier League status come the end of the season. Without a quality replacement for the top-scorer, it seems that Newcastle may need to utilise their substantial budget and call on some Premier League experience in the striker department. 

Dwight Gayle is a decent option to have off the bench but is yet to feature much under Howe and lacks the ability needed to keep the side up and score important goals. 

Newcastle have been linked with a myriad of attacking names such as: Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli, Van de Beek and Odion Ighalo but none of them have the same striker’s instincts as Wilson. No doubt they would improve the squad in forward areas but the club needs a figurehead to put the ball in the net. 

IMPORTANCE OF WILSON AND SAINT-MAXIMIN

Callum Wilson has that knack of scoring important goals e.g against Southampton, Spurs, Palace, Norwich and Burnley all this season and will be a huge miss. No doubt Howe will be looking for replacements already and could bring someone in during the early stages of the window. His side need to find the back of the net more often, especially in the upcoming games against fellow strugglers: Southampton, Watford and Leeds.

Allan Saint-Maximin has brightened up the season at times with his mesmerising dribbling and entertaining personality. The 24-year-old is a fan favourite on Tyneside and will be missed if he spends a long period out of action – it would be tough to find anyone with the same ability on the ball.

The end product is sometimes missing when the French winger has possession, however it was clear for all to see on Monday evening when he smashed his side in-front. If Howe brings in attacking reinforcements, he will be hoping to add to the productivity of the side going forward and search for players to match his front-foot, attacking and exciting style of play.

Wilson and Saint-Maximin have scored a combined 10 goals and had 4 assists for the Magpies so far this season and make up more than half of the goals managed by the side in their opening 19 games. The pair give the side substantial threat in attacking areas and are one of the best combinations in the league – their form will be hard to replicate.

Saint-Maximin was back to his best for the visit of Manchester United and scored a sublime opening goal – a glimpse of his full potential.

Saint-Maximin took the lead for NUFC inside seven minutes…

THE NEXT FIVE GAMES

Newcastle aren’t in action again until the 2nd of January and could have some new names at the club by then.The next fixture is away to Southampton at St Mary’s and Howe’s side will be expecting to pick up three points to add to their season tally of 11.

Teams around Newcastle have up to four games in hand but by the time the Toon are playing again the table might have sorted itself out. 

In the next five Premier League games, Newcastle face: Southampton (A), Watford (H), Leeds (A), Everton (H) and Aston Villa (H), knowing that they will need to pick up a substantial points total to help them climb out of the relegation zone.

The performance against the Red Devils shows that Howe’s side are capable of giving anyone a game at SJP and the form of Joelinton might just give the side the spark in the midfield to get some much-needed points on the board in the coming weeks.

Consecutive games against fellow strugglers Southampton, Watford and Leeds represent the best opportunities for the Magpies to pick up three points but with the potential loss of Wilson and, less likely the loss of Saint-Maximin, these games may become even more challenging.

Watford sit in 17th position at the time of writing and have 13 points (2 more than NUFC) with 2 games in hand. Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds have 5 more points than Newcastle and have a game in hand. The next couple of weeks may shape how the closing stages of the season look and could be one of the most important periods in the clubs history.

HWTL.

Thoughts?

Are you worried about the injury to Wilson? Which striker would you bring to the club? Can Howe’s side get their second win against the Saints?

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