The injury crisis at Newcastle United just does not show any sign of letting up.
Even before a ball was kicked in the FA Cup away at Manchester City on Saturday, Newcastle lost Tino Livramento to injury.
Indeed, it was a theme that continued during the game too.
Sven Botman, who has already been dealt a serious knee injury this season, was forced off towards the dying embers of the game.
The Dutchman had a role in City’s second goal, with Bernardo Silva’s shot skimming off his head before beating Martin Dubravka.
Botman was then criticised by Alan Shearer, who suggested the £35m star has simply not looked the same following his knee injury.
Asked about the defender’s fitness after the game, Eddie Howe shared the latest.
Sven Botman injury: Eddie Howe shares Newcastle latest
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Howe said of Botman: “It looked like he got a knock to his knee, so I didn’t want to take any risks with him and withdrew him immediately.”
Sven Botman: Newcastle star faces a long road back
Those behind the scenes at the club are believed to recognise that Botman needs more time on the training field to get back up to his best.
If a fresh injury then denies him of that too, then it remains unclear as to when Newcastle can realistically start to see the best of him again.
With so little to play for during what remains of this season, perhaps Botman should be taken out of the firing line even if he has avoided another big injury. Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn are options to partner Fabian Schar in central defence, so it’s not as if Howe is short.
Even if Botman can return before the end of the season, what is to be gained from rushing him back? Things just aren’t going well right now.
Newcastle view him as a key player for the future of their project. They have to give him time to get back up to speed.
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