Newcastle has been hit even worse with injuries. That is predominantly why the club are assessing all parts of the pitch for potential reinforcement.
PSR is an acute concern at St James’ Park, though they have room to manoeuvre in January and there is a fair chance some business occurs — especially as Eddie Howe bids to lead his men to Champions League qualification for a second consecutive season.
Nick Pope’s absence shines a bright light on the goalkeeping department and Newcastle must choose whether to stick with Martin Dubravka or dip into the market. It is hard to ignore Ramsdale’s situation at Arsenal, particularly given he played under Howe at Bournemouth, but there has been no contact between the teams and it would be a complicated deal.
You suspect Newcastle would favour loans. However, what player of appropriate quality will be gettable on that basis? Are teams willing to help a rival and do they have a decent replacement? A free agent, such as David de Gea, has been mooted, but do you want them? Do they want you? Would their salary be compatible with your wage structure?
The returns of Sven Botman and Dan Burn ease the pressure at centre-back, while the need for a midfielder amid Sandro Tonali’s ban could also be allayed by the rise of Lewis Miley. If Newcastle do elect to address that area, Phillips is an option and Conor Gallagher remains of interest.
Regarding those two examples, Newcastle have yet to progress on a potential loan for Phillips while Chelsea would only contemplate selling Gallagher — and at a price reflecting his elevated status — that suitors might not be keen on (or capable of) doing in the forthcoming window.
