Newcastle United opened the Matthias Jaissle era with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, but the Magpies entered their Premier League opener without one of the most important figures remaining in their dramatically reshaped squad.
Dan Burn was missing from the starting lineup after suffering an ankle injury in training during the buildup to the game. The setback came only days after the 34-year-old was officially appointed Newcastle captain following Bruno Guimaraes' transfer to Arsenal.
The Athletic initially reported before kickoff that Burn would miss the start of the season, while the Chronicle Live's Lee Ryder added that the England international faced "a number of weeks" on the sidelines.
"Burn suffered an ankle injury and faces a number of weeks out, just weeks after starring for England at the World Cup," Ryder wrote.
Jaissle subsequently confirmed the extent of the injury following Sunday's draw, revealing that Newcastle expects to be without its captain for at least the next couple of weeks.
"With Dan, it's clear that he will be out for a couple of weeks," Jaissle said. "How long exactly? That will be decided. But for sure, our medical department is excellent, so he will be back on the grass as soon as possible."
The most concerning news arrived on Monday, however, as an update from Sky Sports ruled Burn out through next international break, with his potential return happening on Oct. 12 against Coventry.
Burn reportedly rolled his ankle during training and is wearing a protective boot. The injury is unrelated to the viral video of the defender being spun around during a wedding celebration shortly before the start of the campaign.
His absence is particularly significant given the amount of leadership Newcastle lost during the summer. Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali were all sold, while former captain Kieran Trippier departed following the expiration of his contract.
Newcastle was also without vice-captain Joelinton against Liverpool because of a muscular problem, leaving Malick Thiaw to wear the armband. Thiaw partnered Sven Botman in central defense as Newcastle twice took the lead before Dominik Szoboszlai's late penalty secured Liverpool a point..
How concerned are you about Newcastle's defensive and leadership depth without Burn? Should the Magpies do something in the remaining days of the transfer window to make up for it? Let us know below!
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