Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has updated the squad ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Fulham.

The team's defensive injuries were the focus of the press conference, with defender Dan Byrne's injury having a particularly significant impact on the team. Howe confirmed that the 33-year-old Byrne suffered rib and lung injuries in Sunday's defeat to Sunderland and is expected to be out for four to six weeks.

Burn was injured in a challenge with an opponent in the first half, and was subsequently substituted and taken to the hospital for treatment. Howe admitted that this was a significant blow to the team, as Burn's performance had been very consistent in recent weeks.

Besides Burne, Newcastle United's defense remains short-handed. Howe stated that center-back Sven Botman's recovery is progressing well, but he is not yet fit enough to play, and his return date is uncertain.

In addition, Emil Kraft and Kieran Trippier remain sidelined with injuries, with their expected return around the New Year. To some extent, this also brings relatively positive news to the team.

Howe revealed that captain Jamal Rasheles has recovered from his muscle injury, is in good physical condition, and has returned to the team's training squad, providing some supplementary options for the defense.

When discussing the overall personnel situation, Howe pointed out that the team doesn't have a large number of injuries, but the problem lies in the fact that the injured players are mainly concentrated in the same defensive position, which limits the options for lineup selection. As for the playing time of other players, Howe stated that the players will play as long as their physical condition permits.