Newcastle United counting cost of Premier League success as injury list grows

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United are in a 'difficult moment' after three key players were seemingly ruled out of next week's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Magpies recorded yet another win, this time over newly promoted Burnley at St James' Park thanks to goals from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak. However, the shine was taken off the victory somewhat, as Joelinton's return from a knee injury lasted just two minutes.

Howe confirmed after the game that the Brazilian has suffered a hamstring injury and will almost certainly be out until after the international break. That news comes fresh off the back of injuries suffered by Sven Botman and Callum Wilson, both of whom missed the Clarets victory.

"It’s a difficult moment for us injury wise. It’s that kind of season for us, with the physical demands we’re going to face," said the head coach, whose side take on PSG under the St James' lights on Wednesday.

"You don’t want any injury, and any injury really hurts us, but it is what it is and we have to deal with it. We have to be resilient and deal with the challenges that will come. We just hope we can get those players back really quickly."

While Wilson has an outside chance of playing against the Qatar-owned French giants, the prognosis on Botman is less positive.

"We’ve always believed we’ve got some really good players here. The problem for us, with the amount of games we have, is if we get injuries in one area," Howe added.

"Unfortunately, at the moment, it’s all attackers, plus Sven, that are injured, which is a blow. It’s obviously going to stretch us, but hopefully with the international break coming, it will be a good time, fingers crossed, to get the majority of them back