Reinforcements needed to cope with club crisis

NEWCASTLE

- By LEE RYDER

United now have seven players in the treatment room at Benton as the long, hard winter programme began with a new blow last night.Like two seasons ago, when Eddie Howe's squad was ravaged by injuries and the club slumped to seventh place in the Premier League table, the backroom staff are going game by game when it comes to those needing treatment. No wonder the club are advertising for another physio.

As reported yesterday, the club’s main backers PIF are ready to back Howe with fresh funds to cover the squad for the second half of the campaign.

With Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth all injured, Tino Livramento is back on the injured list. Nick Pope and William Osula are also struggling with injury issues, while Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles are doubtful for the Chelsea game.