Eddie Howe now confirms he kept Newcastle star’s injury quiet

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It wasn’t all positive for Newcastle United on Saturday.

Despite the fact Newcastle blew off the cobwebs following the international break, Eddie Howe provided a rather downbeat injury update after the game.

The injury problems have been mounting in recent weeks and it seems a key player could be missing for a while yet.

Howe was able to rotate his squad somewhat during the 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace at St James’ Park but that hasn’t fixed every fitness issue he has to contend with.

Newcastle injury update: Sven Botman latest

Indeed, Sven Botman is unlikely to feature against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday and is still around two weeks from coming back into the side.

The Dutchman has not played since the 8-0 rout of Sheffield United and there was hope he would feature after the international break, although that is not the case.

Now, he is expected to miss the games against Dortmund, Wolves and Manchester United, with the Newcastle manager confirming he did not want to explain the extent of Botman’s injury before playing Palace.

After the win over Palace, Howe said (via the Northern Echo): “Sven wasn’t close today. I couldn’t really say that in the build-up to the game, but he hasn’t trained with us yet. He’s got a bit of a way to go. We’re hopeful it won’t be too long, but he certainly won’t be available in the next couple of weeks.”

Sven Botman injury: More chance for Jamaal Lascelles

Before club captain Jamaal Lascelles returned to the starting lineup, the thought of playing without Botman would have been a major worry.

Still, the skipper has impressed alongside Fabian Schar and has even been namechecked by Gareth Southgate for his role in Newcastle’s return to form.

Having already played well against Paris Saint-Germain, there must be a confidence that Lascelles can still operate as a high-level back-up to Botman.

The decision not to sign a new central defender this summer was certainly a risky one. Lascelles, however, is proving that it might have been the correct move.