Just when it sounded like Sven Botman was closing in on a return for Newcastle United, Eddie Howe gives Toon fans some devastating news.
The 23-year-old has missed Newcastle’s previous seven games with a knee injury. He has not played since the 8-0 win over Sheffield United when he scored his first goal for the club.
Jamaal Lascelles has taken his place in defence, but Newcastle fans have still been eager for Sven Botman to return, such is his importance to this time.
Howe had offered an encouraging update last week ahead of the Premier League clash with Wolves, stating that they hoped Botman could return very quickly.
However, the latest update from the Toon manager is far less encouraging.
Eddie Howe provides worrying injury update on Sven Botman
Howe has been speaking to the media ahead of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. He provided an update on Botman’s fitness, admitting that he does not know when the defender will be available to return.
“There’s an issue there,” he said, as reported by Sky Sports.
“We are working through various options to try and diagnose the injury properly.
“Does he fall into the longer-term category? Yeah, perhaps. But we’re awaiting clarity.”
Major blow for Newcastle as fixtures pile up
Newcastle have only lost one game during Botman’s absence, and that was the Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
The Magpies have coped without the £35million man, but are now under pressure to keep performing well in his absence.
The update from Howe means that Lascelles’ extended run in the side looks set to continue. He has performed very well at centre-back, with his best display coming in the Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
Regardless, it is a massive shame to be without Botman. Newcastle’s squad is really stretched right now, with Botman, Alexander Isak, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes all out injured. On top of that, Sandro Tonali is suspended for the rest of the season.
With fixtures piling up, it looks like it is going to be a very difficult winter for Newcastle, as they prepare for three games against elite opposition over the next six days.
After Man United on Wednesday night, Newcastle face Arsenal followed by Borussia Dortmund. The volume and calibre of games is relentless right now, and Howe will be desperate not to lose any more key players to injury.
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