Derby Disaster: Dan Burn Out for Weeks with Lung Puncture and Rib Break in Newcastle-Sunderland Clash

Injury update

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has sustained a serious injury after a heavy collision in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland. Medical tests confirmed a punctured lung and a broken rib, sidelining him for up to six weeks during a congested spell of fixtures.

Burn was taken to hospital at halftime for examinations following the clash with an opponent in the first half, and Newcastle fell 1-0 to their rivals in round 16 of the Premier League.

The injury leaves Burn unable to contribute during the festive period and into January, potentially missing around ten matches, depending on his recovery progress.

Impact on the squad

Burn's absence compounds Eddie Howe's defensive headaches, with several regulars already sidelined by injury. Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, and Emil Kraft are all unavailable, leaving the manager with four senior defenders to choose from.

As Newcastle heads into a packed schedule, the backline will be tested in quick succession, including a League Cup quarter-final against Fulham and multiple league fixtures in the next two weeks.

While there is hope for a speedy recovery through specialist treatment, Burn's absence represents a meaningful setback at a crucial stage of the season.