How Newcastle United feel about recalling Matt Targett from Middlesbrough amid full-back injury crisis
Eddie Howe is facing a full-back headache, but reports that Newcastle United could recall Matt Targett from his loan at Middlesbrough appear unlikely.
Both Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are sidelined. Livramento, arguably Newcastle’s most consistent performer in 2025, will not return until December following knee ligament damage. Hall, meanwhile, has suffered a hamstring problem after recently coming back from a long-term foot injury.
Between the October and November international breaks, Newcastle face seven matches in 22 days, including Champions League home games against Benfica and Athletic Bilbao and a Carabao Cup tie at Tottenham. The Magpies’ back line will need to adapt without their regular wide defenders.
According to a report from The Athletic, there is no expectation that Targett will be recalled. The 30-year-old left-back is on a season-long loan and was not registered in Newcastle’s Premier League or Champions League squads. While his experience could theoretically help, the club sees internal options as sufficient for the upcoming congested schedule.
Eddie Howe still has options in the squad
Dan Burn has been filling in at left-back and has performed reliably despite his limited pace. Kieran Trippier could shift flanks if needed, though he cannot realistically play twice a week indefinitely. Other options include Emil Krafth, Alex Murphy, and youth prospect Leo Shahar — all inexperienced but potentially available if necessary.
Howe’s side has shown impressive defensive cohesion this season, keeping six clean sheets in ten matches and conceding just five goals across all competitions. Even with key full-backs out, Newcastle’s defensive unit has adapted successfully to personnel changes.
The Athletic highlights that Howe is unlikely to consider a recall for Targett. Instead, he's looking at the likes of Alex Murphy as a possible solution.
Why Targett’s return isn’t happening
Targett’s recall is complicated by squad registration rules and the practicalities of reintegrating him mid-season. The Athletic notes that the club does not see this as necessary, given the available options and Howe’s confidence in his defensive system. More importantly, we know that the second he returns to Tyneside, he'd fracture an eyelash or something.
The Magpies are likely to continue relying on internal solutions for the foreseeable future. Burn’s adaptability, Trippier’s experience, and youth players stepping up should see Newcastle through this period without outside intervention.
In short, Targett’s return remains improbable, but Newcastle’s back line has the structure and depth to cope until Livramento and Hall return.
