Eddie Howe reveals new reason why Newcastle United are missing Sven Botman

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Newcastle United are still suffering a hangover from the 2023/24 injury crisis.

Lewis Miley is now back to fitness after being out of action since March, while Sven Botman remains the biggest casualty.

The Dutch centre-back also has not played for Newcastle United since March, and his absence continues. But he is getting closer to returning, with Eddie Howe hopeful that Botman could be back by Christmas.

The Magpies are really missing Botman. His speed and intelligence on the ball makes him the perfect modern day defender. In the eyes of Sean Longstaff, Botman is a world class talent who is ‘lightening quick’.

Defensively, Newcastle are better when Botman is fully fit. While Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are doing well, their lack of pace can be exploited, as was the case on Sunday as Newcastle lost 2-1 to Chelsea.

Eddie Howe believes Newcastle miss Sven Botman from set pieces

However, Eddie Howe believes that Newcastle are also missing Botman from an offensive standpoint.

The Newcastle United manager has spoken to the media ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea, and was asked about the Magpies’ poor record at scoring from corners.

“We’re missing a couple of key corner takers,” he said.

“Tripps, for me, has been a consistent source of goals for us. Outstanding delivery from wide free kicks and corners.

“Also the height we have in the team. We’re missing a little bit of the height we’ve had previously, and strength of headers.

“Sven’s always been a big miss for us. Not so much him being a focal target but he’s 6ft4in and when you add Dan Burn into the mix to go with his height you become a lot stronger team from set plays. Callum Wilson would add to that as well.”

Newcastle’s last direct goal from a corner

The last time Newcastle United scored directly from a corner was April 13th 2024.

On that day, Fabian Schar headed home Anthony Gordon’s corner to give Newcastle United a 4-0 lead over Tottenham Hotspur.

This season, the Magpies have been less productive from set pieces. Eddie Howe’s side have had 54 corners, but are yet to find the net.

That is a big issue, as set pieces have proven to be very fruitful in recent years.

Howe suggests not having the presence of Botman has hindered them, and that is understandable. Another issue is Kieran Trippier not playing as much this season, as his delivery from dead ball situations is ‘outstanding’ in the eyes of Howe.

Those two factors are hurting Newcastle, and Howe needs to find a solution in the near future as his side continue to struggle for goals.