Newcastle United set for major injury boost ahead of ‘crazy’ Sunderland FA Cup tie

Eddie Howe could be able to welcome back Dan Burn ahead of Newcastle United’s clash with AC Milan. The Magpies must win at St James’ Park and hope that PSG fail to beat Borussia Dortmund in order to qualify for the knockout round for the first time in the club’s history.

Burn, meanwhile, has missed their last seven games in all competitions after injuring his back during the win over Arsenal at the beginning of November. However, Newcastle World report that the defender could be back in-contention for Wednesday night’s crunch game against AC Milan.

The 31-year-old memorably scored his first ever Champions League goal during Newcastle’s 4-1 triumph over PSG at St James’ Park earlier this campaign and had played a key role at left-back before his injury. In his absence, Tino Livramento has impressed in that position and whilst Howe may not feel change is necessary for the game against Milan, despite naming the same ten outfield players for their last five matches, Kieran Trippier will miss Saturday’s Premier League game with Fulham through suspension and so Howe will be forced into making a defensive reshuffle.

With Champions League, Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup games to come over the next month or so, Burn’s potential return will come as a major boost for Newcastle United as they look to manage the fixture load - and there is one match in particular the defender is looking forward to being involved in.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Burn was asked about his thoughts on the FA Cup draw that pitted the Magpies against Sunderland. He responded:  "Class, ain't it? I was just thinking, since I've managed to get back to the club, we have managed to get back to the League Cup final, the Champions League and now I'm going to have the opportunity, hopefully, to play against Sunderland. It's just crazy.”

Burn’s potential return from injury comes just as Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson made their respective returns at the weekend. Howe is still without a host of key players with Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Elliot Anderson expected to be back in action in and around the new year, however, the returns of Longstaff, Wilson and Burn will have slightly reduced the load on Newcastle’s current starters.