SHOCKING: Eddie Howe Drops BOMBSHELL Confirmation – Newcastle Get FULL GREEN LIGHT to Trigger SECRET January Clause and Snatch Star Player Back in Emergency Move! You Won’t Believe What Happens Next!

Newcastle United are weighing up the possibility of bringing Matt Targett back from his loan spell at Middlesbrough as they attempt to cope with an escalating defensive injury crisis.

The Magpies’ backline has been severely depleted in recent weeks, to the point where Eddie Howe could be left with only two fully fit senior defenders for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea at St James’ Park, which kicks off at 12:30pm.

Even before Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Fulham, Newcastle were already stretched thin defensively.

Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn were all unavailable, with Burn sidelined after suffering rib and lung problems during last weekend’s defeat to Sunderland.

The situation deteriorated further against Fulham. Lewis Hall was ruled out with a minor hamstring issue, while Tino Livramento was forced to leave the pitch in the 74th minute after picking up a knee injury.

Those absences have only heightened concerns ahead of the Chelsea fixture.

After the match, Howe offered an initial assessment of Hall and Livramento, striking a more hopeful tone regarding Hall’s availability.

The Newcastle head coach suggested the former Chelsea defender has a chance of featuring against his old club, but admitted there was far greater uncertainty surrounding Livramento.

“It looks like a knee problem, and Tino has had knee issues in the past, which is why he had to come off,” Howe explained.

“He’s such an honest and reliable lad that when he signals he can’t continue, it’s worrying for his involvement, possibly even against Chelsea.

We’ll have to wait and see. With Lewis, we’re more positive. He had some hamstring tightness, but he does have a chance for the weekend.”

As things stand, Newcastle are effectively without any recognised senior full-backs.

Midfielder Lewis Miley was drafted in as an emergency right-back against Fulham, while 21-year-old Alex Murphy filled in on the left after Livramento’s injury.

Teenage defender Leo Shahar, just 18 and yet to make his senior debut, was also named on the bench.

Given those circumstances, Howe has acknowledged that recalling Targett from Middlesbrough in January is an option under serious consideration if the defensive problems continue.

Newcastle included a recall clause in the full-back’s season-long loan deal, meaning they can bring him back should they decide to activate it.

“We’ll make that call closer to the time when we have to,” Howe said.

“But right now, I don’t have many more solutions to pull out of the hat. We’re entering dangerous territory, so we’ll see how things develop.”

Any recall would be a significant setback for Middlesbrough.

Targett has been a key figure for Boro this season, starting 16 Championship matches as they sit second in the table, seven points clear in the automatic promotion places.

With his Newcastle contract set to expire in June, his future is already uncertain.

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg will be hoping Newcastle’s injury list eases before January.

There are signs of improvement, with Lascelles back in training and Trippier and Krafth expected to return around the New Year.

Botman’s timeline remains unclear, while Livramento will require further assessment before a return date can be established.