Newcastle United bombshell January plan threatened by fresh injury blow – player set to leave in 2026

Newcastle United’s injury problems have taken another frustrating twist — and this time, the setback may have come from an unexpected direction.

The Magpies have been hit hard by fitness issues in recent weeks, particularly across their defensive unit. Eddie Howe has seen his options severely depleted, with Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Tino Livramento all sidelined until the early part of 2026. The scale of those absences has forced Newcastle into improvised solutions, highlighting just how thin the squad has become at the back.

With senior defenders unavailable, Howe has had to turn to unlikely alternatives. Nineteen-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley has been asked to operate at right-back, while Under-21 defender Alex Murphy has been drafted in on the left as Lewis Hall’s minutes are carefully managed following his own recent injury return. The lack of recognised full-backs has left Newcastle walking a fine line, prompting serious internal discussions over potential short-term reinforcements.

Newcastle weigh up January recall option

As the January transfer window approaches, Newcastle have been assessing emergency measures to ease the defensive strain. One such option has been the possibility of recalling Matt Targett from his season-long loan at Middlesbrough.

Targett slipped down the pecking order at St James’ Park after the rise of Livramento and Hall, while Burn also proved a reliable alternative at left-back. With first-team opportunities limited, the 30-year-old was allowed to join Championship promotion contenders Middlesbrough in search of regular football.

Howe has confirmed that Newcastle retain the option to bring Targett back midway through the season and has openly acknowledged that the idea remains under consideration. The defender has been enjoying a productive spell at the Riverside Stadium, scoring twice in 18 appearances for a Boro side currently sitting second in the Championship and firmly in the promotion race.

“Yeah, we’ll make that decision closer to the date where we have to,” Howe told The Gazette. “But certainly, at the moment, I don’t have many more rabbits to pull out of the hat, to be honest. We’re in dangerous territory, so let’s see.”

Despite the uncertainty, Howe has been keen not to distract Targett while the situation remains unresolved. “Let him concentrate on his football,” he later added. “We’ll have those conversations if and when we need to.”

Injury setback complicates Targett situation

However, Newcastle’s contingency planning may have been dealt a blow of its own on Boxing Day. Targett was forced off during Middlesbrough’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers, raising concerns about yet another injury issue.

The left-back has endured persistent fitness problems in recent seasons, making his current run of appearances at Boro his first sustained spell since completing a permanent move to Newcastle in 2022. Any setback now would be a significant disappointment for both clubs.

Middlesbrough are dealing with injury concerns of their own and are understandably keen to retain one of their most consistent performers. While there is hope that Targett’s injury is not serious, any prolonged absence could effectively rule out a January recall, even if Newcastle decide they need him.

Boro head coach Kim Hellberg offered a cautious update following the match. “We will have to see about the defensive situation. We will have to see how the players are,” he said. “Hopefully, they are not that serious and the situation is not too dangerous, but it’s too early to say.”

Middlesbrough boss plays down January exit talk

Hellberg has also sought to dampen speculation linking Targett with a return to Tyneside, insisting his focus remains on keeping the defender at the club.

“I count on him being here and that’s all I know on that question. I’m trying not to think about losing him,” Hellberg explained.

He went on to praise Targett’s influence since arriving on loan. “When he’s played, he’s been very, very good. He’s been top with his movement, top with the ball. He’s a very intelligent player with a brilliant left foot, so he’s been fantastic.

“He also showed that he could play centre-back, which was brilliant from him. He’s been terrific and he’s a very nice guy. When I talk to him, watch him play, see him with the boys and on the pitch, he looks like he really enjoys his time here.”

Uncertain future beyond this season

Targett’s contract at Newcastle expires at the end of the campaign, and he is not expected to be offered an extension. His resurgence at Middlesbrough, however, has significantly boosted his prospects of securing a permanent move elsewhere in the summer, should he be released on June 30.

For now, Newcastle are left waiting on medical updates and hoping for reinforcements on the injury front, while Middlesbrough remain eager to keep one of their standout performers fit and available. With both clubs facing defensive challenges, Targett’s situation has become a pivotal subplot heading into a crucial phase of the season.