Newcastle United have received some disappointing injury news ahead of a very busy week.
The Magpies face Burnley on Saturday, before away trips to Bayer Leverkusen and Sunderland. The Tyne-Wear derby is agonisingly close, and Eddie Howe will want all of his best players available for that game.
However, that might not be the case. While Yoane Wissa is hoping to feature against Burnley after his knee injury, one of his teammates is set to endure a spell on the sidelines.
On December 4th 2021, Eddie Howe beat Burnley to get his first win as Newcastle manager! Can you remember the two players missing from the starting XI?🤔
Sven Botman to miss Newcastle United’s next three games
Ahead of facing Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night, Eddie Howe confirmed that Sven Botman was going to see a specialist about his back problem.
That back problem is set to rule him out for a few games, with Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope providing an update on the Dutchman and Wissa ahead of Saturday’s game against Burnley.
Hope wrote on X: “Wissa still pushing for squad on Saturday but I’m told Sven Botman won’t make it. Looking at a period of games out – including the derby next weekend. Full timescale awaited after scan this week.”
- Who is Sven Botman? Get the lowdown on Newcastle United’s Dutch defensive dynamo
If you bumped into Eddie Howe on the street right now, what changes would you tell him to make vs Burnley?!
I’d be telling him to get Anthony Gordon in the XI after his cameo against Spurs!
It is frustrating for Botman, who had been enjoying an injury-free season up until this point. Given his recent history of knee issues, it was a joy to watch him regularly in black and white again.
Alas, it is suddenly unclear when he will be able to play again.
Sven Botman injury opens the door for Dan Burn
With Botman ruled out, it will likely be Dan Burn who benefits. He has started Newcastle United’s previous three games at centre-back, partnering Malick Thiaw in the last two Premier League encounters.
The 33-year-old is suddenly able to play in his best position again, having had to operate at left-back during Lewis Hall’s absence. But Hall is back now and playing extremely well, while an opportunity has opened up for Burn to return to centre-back.
It is great timing for Burn, as he will have ambitions of being part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup. Playing at centre-back will allow him to play his best football, giving him a better chance of joining up with the Three Lions next summer.
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