For all the concerns surrounding Newcastle United’s lack of cutting edge this season, their defence has remained reassuringly reliable.
Eddie Howe’s side may still be searching for rhythm in attack, but defensively they’ve been among the Premier League’s most resolute outfits.
They’ve kept six clean sheets already this campaign and boast the second-lowest expected goals conceded (4.9) in the division, behind only Arsenal.
That solidity has been essential in keeping Newcastle within touching distance of the top four, particularly given their Champions League commitments.
Malick Thiaw, signed from AC Milan, has seamlessly filled the void left by Fabian Schär’s injury, forging a composed, ball-playing partnership with Sven Botman at the heart of defence.
Calm on the ball and dominant in duels, the German has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers so far.
Yet, just as things were settling, Howe has been hit with significant defensive injuries.
Both Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall – the club’s two starting full-backs – have suffered setbacks that will sideline them for an extended period.
Their absence leaves Newcastle light in wide defensive areas, forcing a reshuffle that may test the depth of the squad during a congested autumn fixture list.
For a side competing on multiple fronts, rotation is vital.
But with natural full-backs out and makeshift options stepping in, the coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle’s defensive solidity can withstand the strain.
Hall and Burn’s success at Newcastle
Few players symbolise Newcastle’s progress under Howe more than Hall.
Still only 19, the left-back has made the position his own since arriving from Chelsea, blending energy with composure in possession.
His overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas have been key to Newcastle’s attacking transitions, while defensively, his pace allows the team to hold a high line.
However, Hall’s hamstring injury – which Howe has confirmed “won’t be short-term” – is a major blow.
It leaves Newcastle without their first-choice full-back during a period when they face high-pressing, counter-attacking sides both domestically and in Europe.
In his absence, Dan Burn has been tasked with filling the void.
The 6 foot 7 defender has long been a fan favourite for his commitment and leadership, but left-back is far from his natural role.
Burn’s experience and aerial dominance make him a solid stopgap, yet his lack of recovery pace can be exposed, particularly when facing quick, direct wingers.
One-on-one duels and balls played in behind remain areas of weakness.
Howe’s tactical adjustments have tried to compensate, with Botman often covering wider to protect Burn.
But upcoming fixtures present new challenges.
Newcastle’s next league outing sees them travel to Brighton, where Yankuba Minteh’s speed and trickery could test Burn’s positional awareness.
Stronger sides than Nottingham Forest – who rarely exploited the left channel in Newcastle’s last league match – will certainly target this imbalance.
There’s also the question of whether Newcastle could turn to the free-agent market for temporary cover.
While Howe is reluctant to disrupt squad chemistry, the defensive injuries are stretching his options thin.
With both full-backs unavailable and Champions League fixtures piling up, the pressure is mounting for a new solution – perhaps one that already exists within the club’s own ranks.
Newcastle’s academy left-back solution
Enter Leo Shahar, the 18-year-old full-back who many within Newcastle’s academy believe is ready to make the leap.
A natural right-back who is also comfortable on the left, Shahar joined from Wolves last year after a decade in their youth system, where he was regarded as one of the most technically gifted defenders of his age group.
Since arriving at St James’ Park, he has quietly impressed at youth level.
Shahar has already made four Premier League 2 appearances this season and featured twice in the UEFA Youth League, scoring once.
His consistency and versatility have earned him a growing reputation, and his development was rewarded when he made his first-team debut in pre-season against Atlético Madrid.
Internationally, Shahar’s rise has been just as rapid.
Having represented England across multiple youth levels, he made his under-19 debut in September, capping off a year of steady progress.
Youth coach Thomas Hammond has described him as a “promising talent,” words that suggest he may soon be trusted with senior minutes.
Tactically, Shahar fits the modern mould Howe demands from his full-backs: quick, comfortable in tight spaces, and adept at playing out from the back.
His natural balance on either side of the pitch could be invaluable as injuries continue to bite.
And unlike Burn, he offers the pace and agility to handle one-on-one duels – an attribute that Newcastle have missed in Hall’s absence.
With Newcastle set for a gruelling run that includes Champions League clashes and key Premier League fixtures, Howe may have little choice but to dip into his academy talent.
It’s a risk, but one with potential reward. Giving Shahar his chance now could accelerate his development while easing the load on an injury-hit squad.
Newcastle’s long-term vision under Howe has always been about building sustainably – blending elite signings with homegrown talent capable of stepping up when needed.
Leo Shahar might just be the next example of that philosophy in action.
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