Matt Targett returns as Newcastle battle ongoing injury challenges

The versatile defender made his first competitive appearance since November 2023 in Newcastle's Boxing Day match against Aston Villa, stepping in at right-back, a position opposite to his usual left-back role.

While the injury situation has improved compared to last season, significant concerns remain.

Callum Wilson and Emil Krafth are both sidelined with long-term injuries, and key defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are yet to recover from serious knee injuries sustained during the 2023/24 campaign.

Last season, the Magpies faced severe injury struggles, which led pundit Joe Cole to question the club's management of its players' fitness.

This season, although improvements have been made, the club's injury list continues to affect their campaign.

Targett's return provides a much-needed boost to Eddie Howe's squad, offering both experience and versatility in defence.

"He's had injury troubles but he's come back and trained really, really well. He's trained as a left-back but today we knew with Tino [Livramento]'s illness we needed him potentially if Kieran [Trippier] couldn't make it all the way through the game," Howe told Newcastle World.

"Our plan pre-game was to put him on in that position and he never let us down, I thought he was excellent. He's got the experience to play on that side despite being very left-footed."

As Newcastle continues to manage its injury crisis, the hope is that further recoveries will bolster their push for a strong finish to the season. 

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