Newcastle United has had to cope without captain Dan Burn during an already difficult spell, leaving Matthias Jaissle without one of his most experienced defenders and a key on-field leader.
According to Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder, Burn is edging closer to returning from his ankle injury after traveling with the Newcastle squad for the 4-1 defeat at Leeds United. The England international was not named among the substitutes, but his presence represented another step in his recovery.
Ryder reported
that Burn’s decision stemmed from taking on a leadership role in a non-playing capacity during the trip, even though it proved unhelpful. The Newcastle captain helped the squad keep the heavy defeat in perspective on the journey home, underlining his importance even while unavailable for selection.
Burn has been sidelined since rolling his ankle and was initially expected to return following the upcoming three-week international break. That timetable remains the clearest indication of when Jaissle could have his captain available again.
“It’s not my first injury, and I’m sure it won’t be my last, but hopefully I won’t be out for long — I expect to be back after the international break,” Burn said recently. “I rolled my ankle and went down to London to see a specialist.”
Newcastle did well and didn’t rush Burn back before the international break, one lasting three weeks, no less. His involvement with the squad at Leeds nevertheless suggests his recovery is progressing, even though he was not yet ready to take a place on the bench.
How important will Burn’s return be for Jaissle’s defense, and should Newcastle bring him straight back into the starting lineup once he is cleared to play off the break? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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