NEWCASTLE are considering recalling Matt Targett from loan at Middlesbrough as Eddie Howe’s defensive nightmare worsened.
The Mags only had three fit senior defenders available for the Carabao Cup win over Fulham as Lewis Hall missed out with a hamstring issue.
And after Tino Livramento limped off with knee problem, Howe could go into Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea with only centre-halves Fabian Schar and Malick Thiaw available.
Left-back Targett, 30, only featured five times last term but has become a key man down the A19 for Kim Hellberg’s promotion-chasing Boro.
He has featured 18 times so far after joining on a season-long loan to help them go seven points clear in the top two.
However, Howe confirmed the Mags do have a recall option in January and admitted that the previously out-of-favour ace could be called upon given the crisis.
NEWCASTLE 2 FULHAM 1
Miley snatches winner as Toon reach semis but get fresh injury blow
SPOTY ODDS
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 betting odds: Who is favourite to win?
On Targett, whose Newcastle deal expires in June, the Toon boss said: “We’ll make that decision closer to the date when we have to.
“But certainly at the moment I don’t have many more rabbits to pull out of the hat. We’re in dangerous territory so let’s see.”
Howe remains hopeful that Hall could feature against his old club Chelsea.
With such a lack of options, midfielder and eventual matchwinner against Fulham Lewis Miley could continue at right-back. And 21-year-old Alex Murphy may also get the nod after replacing Livramento at left-back.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
But having already lost Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn and Sven Botman, he is now sweating on the extent of the England full-back’s injury.
He added: “We don’t quite know how bad it is but it’s not looking good. It looks like a knee problem. Tino has had issues with the knee before.
“Tino has had issues with the knee before.
“The fact he had to come off and he’s such an honest dependable lad, that sends worrying signs for his participation in the Chelsea game. Let’s wait and see.
“Lewis we’re more positive on. He felt some tightness in his hamstring but he has a chance for Chelsea.”