Eddie Howe provides Sven Botman injury update and hints if he will start against Arsenal

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Sven Botman made his highly-anticipated return for Newcastle United against Tottenham last weekend.

It was perfectly timed from the 24-year-old, with Sven Botman replacing the suspended Fabian Schar for Newcastle’s trip to North London.

The Magpies beat Tottenham 2-1 to extend their winning streak to six consecutive games, and Botman was superb against Spurs.

Eddie Howe was surprised by Botman’s performance after such a long absence, while Newcastle players also praised Botman on social media after the full-time whistle.

Everything was going smoothly on Botman’s return until he was forced off the pitch in discomfort in injury time. He was replaced by Lloyd Kelly and now fans are waiting anxiously to hear whether Botman is fit for this week’s trip to face Arsenal.

Is Sven Botman fit to face Arsenal?

Newcastle’s hunt for silverware continues this week when they face Arsenal on Tuesday evening in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

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Once again, the Magpies will be short at the back with Fabian Schar suspended after he picked up a booking against Brentford last time out.

With Schar out, there is even more riding on Botman’s fitness this week and Eddie Howe has now provided an update.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “He feels good. Naturally there’s a little bit of fatigue at the end of the game.

“It was a long absence but he’s trained for a long, long time for this moment. From the Aston Villa game onwards he has been cleared to play but we wanted to give him longer to try and reach his best physical levels.

When asked if Botman will have a phased return to the team, Howe added: “It’s a combination, we have to speak to the player, the medical team, the experts.

“They’ll give me some of the answers to what we do with him next. But he’s a competitor. He is hugely driven for the team and himself. So I’ve no doubts what he will say but, as I say, we need to speak to other people and make the right decision.”

Sven Botman wants to start for Newcastle against Arsenal

From Howe’s comments, it seems he has no doubt that Botman will want to feature against Arsenal on Tuesday evening, but the final decision will be made after speaking to the medical team.

Frankly, the last thing Newcastle need is Botman suffering another injury so early into his return.

Dan Burn has been in great form and can be relied upon against Arsenal, while Kelly is the obvious choice to partner him if Botman is not able to start at The Emirates.

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Howe also has a midfield dilemma to solve with Bruno Guimaraes suspended against Arsenal.

Joelinton and Sandro Tonali can expect to start, but Howe must pick between the likes of Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley to feature against the Gunners.