Newcastle United have been dealt fresh injury blows ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
It has been a disastrous few days for Newcastle United who crashed out of the FA Cup following their defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
That was just the tip of the iceberg, however, Lewis Hall was ruled out for the final after picking up an ankle injury in Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool a few days prior. Yankuba Minteh scored in the defeat, the Gambian left Newcastle in the summer to help the club balance the books ahead of the PSR deadline.
Fans were rocked by the news that Hall would miss the Carabao Cup final as a result of his injury. The young left-back was having a sensational season and has arguably been one of Newcastle’s best players throughout the campaign.
Now, it was confirmed on Wednesday night that Sven Botman will also miss the final due to a knee injury he picked up in the win against Arsenal at St James’ Park in February. The Dutchman has been missing from action for over a month but looked close to a return following comments from Eddie Howe.
Botman was close to returning against Brighton but Toon boss Eddie Howe admitted he missed the game after continuing to feel something in his knee. The 25-year-old had only just returned from a 10-month layoff with an ACL injury in January but will not go back for surgery – this time on his other knee.
With Newcastle fans dealt two big blows in as many days, they have taken to social media to react to the news. Unfortunately, it’s an all too familiar story for some.
Newcastle fans compared Sven Botman to Jonathan Woodgate
Botman looked sharp and keen upon his return to Newcastle’s first-team squad, being thrown straight back in against Tottenham Hotspur for the first game of 2025. The defender kept two straight clean sheets against Arsenal and Wolves before struggling against Bournemouth at St James’ Park.
It was revealed by Craig Hope that Botman’s knee injury requires surgery and as a result will miss the Carabao Cup final later this month.
Newcastle fans took to X to react to the news.
“Botman is going the same way as Woodgate at this rate.” said one fan, while another fan added: “Medical team have well and truly ruined his career rushing him back twice last season.”
This fan also compared Botman to Jonathan Woodgate, who was a fantastic centre-back for Newcastle but struggled with injury problems: “Feel like Woodgate was naturally a sick note. We’ve not exactly helped Botman have we.”
“Botman is the new Woodgate. He’s done. Two new centre-backs needed now. Shame for the lad.” said this upset Newcastle fan.
Another fan added: “Feel for the lad, his entire career has been derailed because of injuries, next season is absolutely massive for him to get back on track.”
Finally, this frustrated Newcastle fan said: “Absolutely criminal what out medical team have done with this lad, he’s never been right since they misdiagnosed him.”
Newcastle’s summer shopping list just got longer
Botman’s new injury isn’t just a blow for the final or even the end of the season. It has the potential to completely change the Magpies’ back-line for the future.
There was no doubt that Botman was going to be the long-term successor to Dan Burn, but now Newcastle may be forced to recruit a new left-sided centre-back in the summer.
Paul Mitchell is free to spend for Newcastle thanks to positive financial accounts and a sensible approach to recent transfer windows. He must now consider that position in light of Botman’s injury. There’s no guarantee Botman will be the player he was in the 2022/23 season upon his return.
The Magpies are looking to improve several positions in the summer – a complete overhaul of Howe’s back line now looks likely.
Mitchell will also look to sign a right-sided attacker and a striker in the summer.
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