Atlanta coach Frank De Boer has admitted that he is concerned by an injury to Newcastle target Josef Martinez.

The forward was forced off the pitch on a stretcher and now appears to be a huge injury doubt for the coming months.

Speaking to MLS Soccer, De Boer said this:

I’m afraid that he has something serious, but we have to wait. They’re evaluating him now.

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Could his injury affect Newcastle’s plans for the January transfer window?

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It all depends on the severity of his injury. He left the field in tears on a stretcher, which is never a good sign, but Atlanta are still awaiting the results of his tests to see the extent of the damage.

If he is ruled out beyond January, Newcastle will need to consider alternative targets. The club have been scouting the forward as they look to bolster their squad in the next transfer window, with Martinez having scored 31 goals in 35 games for Atlanta in 2019.

As of yet, the club have not been linked with any other centre-forwards, which may mean that they will now have to scour the globe for a new striker to come in during the January window.

Do Newcastle need another striker?

Yes

No