Newcastle United now assessing £35m player after injury problems ahead of Ipswich

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Newcastle United desperately have to get back to winning ways on Saturday.

Newcastle United are very much on course for Champions League qualification but have little margin for error.

The battle for a top five spot in the Premier League is fierce, particularly after Newcastle lost 4-1 to Aston Villa last time out.

Currently fifth in the Premier League table but only two points ahead of Chelsea and Villa in sixth and seventh respectively, they cannot afford to drop what look like winnable points at St James’ Park when Ipswich come to town.  

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	Man CityManchester City	34	18	7	9	66	43	23	61
4	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	33	18	6	9	53	39	14	60
5	NewcastleNewcastle	33	18	5	10	62	44	18	59
6	ChelseaChelsea	33	16	9	8	58	40	18	57
7	Aston VillaAston Villa	34	16	9	9	54	49	5	57

Thankfully, Eddie Howe has returned to work at Newcastle after suffering from pneumonia.

Even beyond the obvious footballing benefits of having the Newcastle United manager back in the dugout for a big game, it’s just fantastic to see Howe back and involved.  

Heading into the game with the Tractor Boys, a boost has also emerged in regard to Sven Botman.

• READ MORE: Look away Anthony Gordon as Premier League make announcement ahead of Newcastle United vs Ipswich

Sven Botman injury news before Newcastle United vs Ipswich

Newcastle paid around £35million for Botman in the summer of 2022 and, broadly, he’s been excellent.

The major problem with the Dutchman, however, has been with injury.

The defender has missed most of the campaign following knee surgeries but Botman did recently confirm he was close to a return for Newcastle. 

According to The Chronicle, staff are assessing the 25-year-old ahead of the visit of the Tractor Boys.

A decision is still to be made but it’s claimed Botman has been involved in at least some level of training recently.

That news comes as a welcome boost after fellow defender Fabian Schar suffered a hamstring injury against Villa. 

• READ MORE: How Newcastle United could replace Fabian Schar against Ipswich

Newcastle United cannot afford to rush Sven Botman

Emil Krafth has been tipped as the most likely player to replace Schar if he cannot make the game and that feels wise.  

Starting a player in a Premier League game for the first time since September is hardly ideal given the importance of the clash but it’s still better than rushing Botman back into action. 

With all due respect to the visitors, Newcastle should have enough to beat them anyway – particularly at home. 

Botman hasn’t managed to stay fit following his last two comebacks. He must be treated with caution.