Newcastle United ‘massive’ injury boost as £13m star returns — could start v Fulham

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn is back from injury and could start against Fulham.

Dan Burn’s comeback, according to Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe, gives his team a “massive” boost.

The Blyth-born defender was predicted to miss a “couple of months” after he unintentionally fell on his back during Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League victory at home on November 4.

But Burn returned ahead of schedule six weeks later. The 31-year-old started the Champions League match against AC Milan on the bench and played the final 30 minutes after Kieran Trippier was substituted.

Burn is the third player to help relieve the club’s current injury situation—the other two being Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff—to return from the treatment room in the previous week.

“Every player who has been hurt has thought about returning to action as soon as possible. They all desired to return, they all seen the situation we were in, and I’m sure they all felt differently when they watched the squad.

The question, ‘Can I push myself?’ has been raised. Although we don’t want to push athletes to the point of collapse, Dan’s condition is more of a pain management issue than a recurrent one if you are able to play. He’s trained painlessly and has performed incredibly well.”

Burn might be added back into the starting lineup for this afternoon’s match against Fulham, his previous team.

After picking up five yellow cards this season, Kieran Trippier is serving a one-match suspension. Tino Livramento will probably take over at right back in his place.