This article is part of Football FanCast’s Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players’ fitness.

Newcastle have suffered numerous injuries to defensive players this season and Ciaran Clark is the latest who looks set to miss a few games.

However, their ability to cope will come down to their beefy squad depth in the centre of defence.

What’s the latest?

The Republic of Ireland international has been a regular starter in recent weeks after injuries to other key defenders provided him with a chance to shine, and he is making the most of his opportunity.

However, he was forced off in the win over Southampton at half-time, with Steve Bruce explaining that he took a knock to his calf, with the substitution decision likely being made as a precaution.

The duration of his injury is still unknown at this point and the centre-back has made quick recoveries to previous injuries, such as the knock he picked up on international duty a few weeks ago.

Strength in depth

Newcastle have coped well despite losing several important defenders this term and therefore the injury to Clark, even if he misses many games, shouldn’t prevent Bruce’s side picking up points.

Paul Dummett and Federico Fernandez have stepped up with impressive performances that have pleased fans since Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar were sidelined. That is a reflection of the good work Bruce has done, both in terms of the organisation of his team as well as his improvement of players.

Schar was Newcastle’s highest-rated defender last term, via WhoScored, earning an average match rating of 7.30. Lascelles racked up a number of 6.80, but played 32 games.

Who the heck is that?! Can you name all 25 of these obscure Liverpool signings…

However, with Clark out too, a man who won 3.9 aerial duels in 2019/20, one would assume they’d be in a bit of trouble.

That being said, the Magpies still have Florian Lejeune to come back from his injury setback too. He is yet to play a minute this term but his form last season made him popular amongst the fanbase and that means there are multiple defensive options for the Newcastle boss to call upon.

Fernandez was named in Alan Shearer’s Premier League Team of the Week not so long ago and even without Schar and Lascelles, they’ve gone onto lose just one of their last seven fixtures. This points to a Newcastle side who have a strong ability to cope with setbacks, particularly because of their strength in depth.

With this in mind, Bruce must look to establish such depth in all areas of his squad, with a lack of options on the wing and a lack of quality striking options two problems he needs to address.

Fans seem to agree, too, which is why they are frustrated with a planned lack of movement in the January transfer window, as that could come as a detriment to the squad, and perhaps hinder them for the rest of the campaign.

Certainly, from a defensive point of view though, they look well set.

Further injuries to key players, such as the one suffered by Allan Saint-Maximin, could begin to deplete Newcastle of their better players, and that means Bruce should be keen to make signings next month.