Newcastle United were missing some key players for their Champions League decider against AC Milan, and the Magpies’ lack of depth was telling.
For the first time in weeks, Eddie Howe was able to make substitutions, but they did not have the desired impact.
Alexander Isak was nowhere near his best, with the 24-year-old not at full fitness as he continues his journey back from a groin injury.
Injuries are not the reason Newcastle are out of the Champions League, but they certainly were an issue on a night where the Magpies simply had to win. We may not have won if the likes of Joe Willock or Harvey Barnes were available, but their presence certainly wouldn’t have done any harm.
Another player we have been missing is Sven Botman, who is still out of action with a knee injury. He has now missed 17 games, although it is hoped that a return is not too far away.
That would be a huge boost, as the 23-year-old has been a massive miss at the back. He had been enjoying a strong start to the season before his injury, so much so that TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has made a rather bold claim about the Dutchman.
Gabby Agbonlahor heaps praise on absent Sven Botman
Following Newcastle’s Champions League exit, Agbonlahor spoke to TalkSPORT on Thursday about Botman and some of the Magpies’ other injured players.
“We talk about injuries don’t we and a lot of teams have got them,” he said.
“But Botman for me has been the defender of the season, Barnes would have helped last night, Tonali suspended, Pope out, Willock out, Dan Burn only came back last night and so did Longstaff but those injuries are big because Guimaraes looked like he needed a hand in there, someone like Tonali to get the ball back.”
Agbonlahor’s comments about Newcastle defender make no sense at all
So Gabby Agbonlahor thinks that Sven Botman is the best defender in the Premier League so far this season…
That is very complimentary towards Botman, but it is a rather ludicrous claim. For reference, Botman has actually only made six appearances in all competitions this season. He has missed 18 games in total, yet Agbonlahor thinks he has proven himself to be the best around.
Sure, he was excellent in those six appearances, but not so impressive that he has surpassed every other centre-back around.
Surely Agbonlahor has made a bit of a blunder, but the fact remains that Newcastle could really do with having Botman back now. Jamaal Lascelles has done well in his absence, but needs to be at his absolute best to be an adequate replacement. Sadly, that has not been the case in recent games.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
