‘Small chance’: Eddie Howe drops positive hint over ‘consistent’ Newcastle star

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Newcastle defender Sven Botman could be in line to face Brighton this weekend, despite picking up an injury against Liverpool last week.

Botman limped off as Newcastle fell to a late defeat, and it was previously anticipated that he would be absent for at least a few weeks.

However, the 23-year-old may be about to make a miraculous recovery in time to play this weekend, with Eddie Howe confirming that he could possibly be in contention.

“He’s had a scan on the ankle. The scan didn’t appear too good, so there’s definitely an injury there, but it actually doesn’t present too bad,” Howe stated.

“It’s very bruised, a little bit swollen, so he’s been very lightly jogging this week. We’re going to see how it is today and make a decision for this weekend.

On whether Botman could make the squad for the game against Brighton, Howe stated that “there’s a small chance.”

A huge boost

Botman is one of the most important players in the squad, and was described as “consistent” by Howe earlier this year.

Given that he and Fabian Schar have formed an excellent partnership at the back, breaking up the back line in Botman’s absence will have been damaging, particularly given the weak depth in the position.

Dan Burn can move into the centre, with Lewis Hall coming in at full-back, but Newcastle may need to enter the market to strengthen the position after this injury scare over Botman.

There have now been links with Eric Dier, but it remains to be seen whether there will be any movement ahead of the transfer deadline.

Botman has made 47 appearances for the club since joining from Lille last year, and has established himself as a key member of the squad. If he is not yet fit to face Brighton, he will be a huge loss in defence, and with Newcastle aiming to avoid three consecutive defeats, they will find their task a lot more difficult.