The last thing Newcastle United need now is an unwelcome injury, so news regarding Sven Botman is a worry.
It has been a difficult summer for Newcastle United. Anthony Elanga remains their only major signing, while star player Alexander Isak wants to leave.
Eddie Howe does not have long to strengthen the Newcastle United squad ahead of the new season, so needs his existing players available.
Botman, however, caused a concern on Sunday during the pre-season defeat at Arsenal.
- Who is Sven Botman? Get the lowdown on Newcastle United’s Dutch defensive dynamo
Sven Botman suffered groin problem during Newcastle United defeat
Newcastle lost 3-2 to Arsenal out in Singapore, but did put in an improved performance from their defeat to Celtic last week.
Botman, who has missed much of the past two seasons with knee injuries, came on after the break in Singapore.
Sadly, the Dutchman lasted only 25 minutes before going off with what looked like a groin injury.
After the game, Howe confirmed the defender had told him he was suffering from a tightness in his groin.
Newcastle United exposed again as transfer need becomes clear
Newcastle needed a defender no matter what this summer, but any injury to Botman would only make the situation more pressing.
Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are all good players and will no doubt play key roles next season.
Still, there’s not a huge amount of pace between them. Botman does offer that, but his injury nightmare does not look to be stopping any time soon.
Even if the Dutchman’s issue isn’t serious, the mere idea of being without him is a major concern. Botman will miss games next season even if this particular issue isn’t enough to force him out for any great deal of time.
With that in mind, alternatives need to be sought. Newcastle are set to miss out on Marc Guehi after chasing him for what feels like an eternity, so need to draw up plans to sign a defender very soon.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
